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MEMOIR 



OF THE 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL, 



4/ 



LATE PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN HADLYME. 



BY REV. ISAAC PARSONS, 

* 
Pastor of the Church of Christ in East-Haddam. 



' Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."-- -Rev. ii, 10. 






NEW YORK. 
TAYLOR AND D O D D . 

(LATE JOHN S. TAYLOR,) 

1839. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by 
ELIHU GEER, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



3 *€" h i 



Print 

ELIHU GEER 26^ STATE- ST.. 

HARTFORD. CONN. 



PREFACE. 



The characters of men remain behind them after they 
have left the world. The good and faithful may continue 
to do good by their example and moral influence beyond 
the period of their mortal lives and after they have gone 
to their reward. 

It is with a view to perpetuate the example and influ- 
ence of a laborious and faithful minister of the Gospel, 
that the following Memoir is given to the public. It has 
not been the design of the compiler, to furnish a bio- 
graphical sketch to attract the admiration of readers, nor 
to accord with the taste of the age, in requiring that 
which is wonderful and uncommon and marvellous in a 
memoir ; but it has been his design to present the sub- 
eet of the following memoir in a true light — to exhibit 
him just as he was in his life, in plain narrative, without 
embellishments of style or figures of rhetoric. 

He has not entered on this service, without the solicit- 
ation of friends, nor without the advice of Ministerial 
Brethren. The impression was extensive among the 
numerous friends and acquaintances of Mr. Vail], after 
his decease, that a brief memoir of his life would be use- 
ful to the cause of Christ, and that some record of his 
faithful services, and ministerial and Christian graces 
should be preserved for the benefit of the living. How 
far the compiler has succeeded in this humble attempt to 
give a true portraiture of the character of this beloved 



I 



IV PREFACE. 

and venerable minister of Christ, he leaves it to the 
reader to say. 

He commits the volume to the Providence of God, and 
submits it to an impartial Christian public, with hope and 
with prayer to God, that so far as read, it will perpetuate 
the example of this faithful servant of the Lord, for the 
encouragement of Christians and Christian ministers in 
duty, and awaken interest in all classes of readers in the 
concerns of salvation, and thus prove instrumental in ad- 
vancing the interests of true religion in the world. 

The Compiler. 

East Haddam, August 14th, 1839. 



CONTENTS 



CH APTER I. 



Page. 
His parentage. Birth. Early education. Manner of life up to 
the age of twenty one years. Dealings of God with him during 
this period. 13 



CHAPTER II. 

Plan for obtaining an education. Difficulties in entering on it. 
Leaves home for Dartmouth College. His journey. Safe ar- 
rival. Description of the place. Finds Mr. J. O. Begins to la- 
bor. Commences the study of Latin. Privations and hard- 
ships. Enters College. Continues to reside at the Mills and la- 
bor. Recites regularly with his class in College. Whole period 
of his residence at the Mills. Account of his religious state. 
Joins the College Church. 21 



CHAPTE R III. 

Goes to room in College. Instructs the Canadian boys. Experi- 
ences sickness. Leaves College for a time. College exercises in- 
terrupted. Returns to College. Has charge of Mores' School. 
Again leaves College. Returns. Finds embarrassments. Grad- 
uates with his class. Acknowledge the goodness of God in carry 
ing him through. Studies Theology. Licensed to preach. In- 
vited to Hadlyme. Receives ordination. .... 32 



C H APTE R I V. 

Enters on the Pastoral office. Time of declension. Half-way cov- 
enant. Pastoral labors Interest in Children. His oversight of 
his people. Attention to the afflicted. Doctrinal views. Impor- 
ance of sound doctrine. Punctuality. Character of his preach- 
ing. Its influence. His fidelity acknowledged. . . . 45 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER V. 

His marriage. A happy connection. Fidelity of his companion. 
Success in the government and education of their children. In- 
dustry and economy. Devoted to the instruction of youth. Ex- 
tracts from his journal. Death of his companion. Extracts from 
his letters. Affectionate respect shown him by his children. . 53 



C HAPTE R VI. 

His natural shrewdness. His feelings in regard to this trait in his 
character. Powers of conversation. Poetical talent. Extracts 
from his poetry. Notice of his publications. Sermon at the or- 
dination of his younger son— extracts. Sermon at the ordina- 
tion of his elder son — extracts 



70 



CH APTE R VII. 

Extracts from his Journal, illustrating his personal piety. 



86 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Extracts from his Journal continued. — Birth-day reflec- 
tions. Anniversary of his ordination. New Year's reflections. 
Parochial calls. Spirit of the world. Religious education of 
children. Parental neglect. Two infidels. Modern mode of 
settling ministers exceptionable. Hasty admissions to the Church. 
Young converts 105 



CH APTE R IX. 

Extracts from his Journal continued. — His despondence. 
Trials and discouragements. Thinks of asking for a dismission. 
The Church conformed to the world. Meets with opposition aa 
school visiter. Commits his cause to God. Low state of Reli- 
gion. The ministry attended with trials. Faults of ministers 
and of church-members. Reformation desirable. Addresses the 
Church on their renewal of covenant. 127 



C HAPTE R X. 

Extracts from his journal continued — miscellaneous, 
from a few of his letters — miscellaneous. 



Extracts 



148 



CONTENTS. Vll 



C HAPTER X I. 



His missionary spirit. His missions. Observance of the monthly 
concert of prayer. Atiachment to the cause of missions. Gives 
up his eldest son to be a missionary. Dismission of this son from 
the people of his charge. Parting address to his son and his 
family 167 



CHAPTER XII. 

His spirit as a revival preacher. His want of apparent success no 
proof of his unfaithfulness. If tried by the rule of some modern 
preachers, he would be found deficient in piety. Erroneous 
extremes in regard to revivals. Revivals under his ministry. 
His interest in them. Good fruits. Thankfulness for them. 
Readiness to promote them 181 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Interest in objects of benevolence. Life member of two Benevolent 
Societies. Efforts in the temperance cause. Results among his 
own people. Extracts from a Temperance Address. Extracts 
from a private letter to an acquaintance 194 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Settlement of a Colleague. Retires from active service. Unex- 
pected removal to Killingworth. Farewell address to his people. 
Occasional labors and visits after his removal. Useful to the close 
of life 205 

CHAPTER XV. 

His last sickness. Death. Funeral. Extracts from the sermon 
preached at his funeral. Notices of his life and character, as 
sketched by different persons. Closing remarks. . . . 217 



MEMOIR 



CHAPTER I. 



His parentage. Birth. Early education. Manner of life up to the age 
of twenty-one years. Dealings of God with him during this period. 



The Rev. Joseph Vaill, the subject of the 
following memoir, was born at Litchfield, Con- 
necticut, July 14th 1751. His father, Mr. Jo- 
seph Vaill, was the son of Mr. Daniel Vaill, 
who resided at Southold, on Long Island. His 
mother, Jerusha Vaill, was the daughter of Mr. 
William Beck, who removed from Hartford to 
Litchfield, at an early period in the settlement 
of that town. 

His parents were both members of the Con- 
gregational church in Litchfield. As visible 
believers, they were upright, and consistent in 
their walk, and respectable in their standing 
in society. They early instructed their child- 
2 



14 MEMOIR OF 

ren in the truths of religion, and taught them 
by precept and example, to respect the word 
and worship of God. Joseph was their eldest 
son. His childhood and youth were passed un- 
der the parental roof. The advantages for 
early education at that period, were inconsid- 
erable in comparison with those of the present 
time. Those of the common school and of the 
family were all that this son enjoyed, until he 
attained to the age of twenty-one years. He was 
a sober and obedient child, and an industrious 
and moral youth. His parents calculated on 
his remaining with them after he should become 
of lawful age to act for himself; and that, as 
he had been brought up to labor on a farm, he 
would follow the occupation of farming as his 
chosen employment for life. But Providence 
had designs in regard to this son which were 
not, at that time, made known to his parents, 
which would disappoint their expectations in a 
manner afflictive to them, at first ; — yet in 
which they acquiesced ; — and they were per- 
mitted to live to see their son conducted in a 
way in life very different from that which they 
had marked out for him. 

The following sketches of his early history, 
and of the influence of religious truth in his ex- 
perience in early life, are from a manuscript 
written by himself in the latter part of his life. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 15 

The manuscript is entitled " Some account 
of my early life and of the dealings of 
God with me." 

" I was early taught to read, and sent to 
school, in the summer, to a female teacher when 
about four years of age, and to a male teacher 
in the fall and winter, until I was fourteen or 
fifteen years of age. But, in consequence of 
the want of suitable skill and management of 
school teachers in general of that day, and my 
inclination to play, I gained but an incorrect 
knowledge of several branches of learning to 
what I ought to have gained in that period. I 
was, however, viewed as good a reader and 
speller as almost any one of my standing. 

" I early experienced serious impressions of the 
Divine Spirit at times, and especially when I 
heard some awakening discourse. I well re- 
member the tender and anxious feelings which 
were produced in my mind when not more 
than five years of age by the solemn and affec- 
ting address of a pious school-mistress, on the 
proceedings of the judgment of the last day, as 
recorded in the latter part of the twenty-fifth 
Chapter of Matthew's Gospel. 

" By means of early religious instruction and 
tenderness of conscience, I was kept back from 
many of those vices which were common to 
some of my playmates — such as quarrelling, 



16 MEMOIR OF 

lying, calling wicked names, and especially from 
profane swearing. When I was about the age 
of seven or eight years, I was much affected 
when any person of my acquaintance died, and 
I underwent many fearful apprehensions in 
view of death, lest I should die in my unprepar- 
ed condition, and be forever miserable. I was 
often, in sleep, greatly alarmed by frightful 
dreams about death, and the world's coming to 
an end, and the scenes of the judgment day, and 
I awoke at times, in great bitterness of spirit, 
and attempted to pray, and continued distres- 
sed for a few hours, and then my fears would 
subside for the time. The same was true in 
sickness ; and whenever my health was im- 
paired, I felt alarmed lest I should die. There 
was in my mind, from very early life, a great 
natural dread of death, aside from my conscious 
unpreparedness for death." 

" My mind was more or less exercised from 
year to year, until I grew to a state of manhood ; 
and I had many seasons of seriousness in 
which I read the Bible and other religious 
Books, and attempted to pray frequently. In 
some of these seasons I began to indulge hope 
that I had reformed my life, and that 1 loved 
religious duties, and was about setting out in 
earnest for the kingdom of heaven ; yet af- 
terwards, being led to associate with loose com- 



EEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 17 

panions, I was left to grieve away the Spirit, 
and soon returned to my former careless course 
of life. I have often thought that if I had liv- 
ed when there was a season of awakening and 
revival of religion, and had told my exercises 
to others, they would have numbered me among 
the hopeful converts. And from my long ac- 
quaintance and experience in such seasons, I 
have witnessed many such superficial conver- 
sions, which prove as did several of mine, like 
the morning cloud, and early dew, which van- 
ish before the sun. 

"For a part of the time, when I was from 
fourteen to twenty years of age, I fell into a 
criminal abuse of the Sabbath, by indulging in 
levity of behavior, and unbecoming conversa- 
tion in going to the place of worship, and in the 
intermission, by mingling in company with light 
and vain youth. Though my conscience fre- 
quently reproved me for thus profaning this sa- 
cred day, and I often, on the morning of the 
Sabbath, resolved that I would be upon my 
guard against this sin which so easily beset me, 
yet when I came to meet my light companions, 
I was wont to break over my resolutions. As 
I had been instructed from early life, in the ne- 
cessity of a change of heart, and had read ac- 
counts of revivals of religion, I grew up with a 
fixed belief, that unless I should be converted, 
2* 



18 MEMOIR OF 

I must perish forever. This thought caused in 
me, fearful apprehensions of dying and going to 
judgment in an unconverted state. I was greatly 
alarmed in time of a thunder storm ; as I feared 
I should be struck dead by the lightning and 
sent to hell in a moment. The illumination of 
the heavens by remarkable northern lights, at 
that period struck me with terror, lest it should 
be a token that the conflagration of the world 
was about to follow ; and under this impres- 
sion, I was induced to pray and to alter my 
sinful course for a time. When about seven- 
teen years of age, I was alarmed by the sudden 
surprising death of one of my intimate acquaint- 
ance, who was instantly killed by a loaded cart's 
passing over his body. He had been such an 
irreligious and profane youth, that I feared he 
had gone to hell. This awful Providence exci- 
ted me to a more diligent attention to the con- 
cerns of my own soul. I prayed more and 
read the Scriptures more diligently ; and 
thought more on religious subjects for a number 
of weeks. But I gradually lost the impressions 
of this Providence, and relapsed into my for- 
mer impenitent course. 

" I frequently lotted out, in my mind, to be 
more happy in some future period of my life, 
by obtaining wealth, or by settling in the world ; 
— but the thought that I should be a miserable 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 19 

creature, should I continue destitute of religion, 
would at once, destroy all my anticipated hap- 
piness. 

" When I was about twenty years of age, 
being confined by lameness for a considerable 
time, I attended diligently to reading the Bible, 
and other religious books, and betook myself 
more constantly to secret prayer, and drew up 
a number of resolutions to devote my life to the 
service of Christ. About this time, I began to 
think of attempting to gain an education with a 
view of being qualified for the Gospel ministry. 
But my resolutions were made in my own 
strength ; and I yielded to temptation, and lost, 
in a measure my serious impressions. Thus I 
lived in an unsettled and undecided state of mind, 
and found myself to increase in hardness of heart; 
for in many respects, what would greatly af- 
fect me, when in younger life, would now have 
little or no impression on my mind, though I 
believe my concern for my soul became more 
rational than formerly. 

" Before I set out to procure a College edu- 
cation, my inclination to join young people in 
their amusements and parties of pleasure grew 
less, until I wholly forsook their vain amuse- 
ments. But during all this time, I had but a 
little sense of the totally depraved state, and 
desperate wickedness of my heart, and of my 



20 MEMOIR OP 

inability to help or save myself. As the Spirit 
of God continued to strive with me, notwith- 
standing all my relapses, broken resolutions and 
aggravated abuses of God's forbearing mercy, 
I lived an uncomfortable life. I was not happy 
in the things of the world, nor was my con- 
science at ease." 

The reader has now seen the subject of this 
memoir passing on in life, Under a religious 
early education, and the strivings of God's Spir- 
it, to the age of twenty-one years, without gain- 
ing any satisfactory evidence that he was a 
child of God. The temptations which assail 
young people are essentially the same in every 
age. The influence of irreligious companions 
proved to him a temptation to violate the Sab- 
bath. Children should be early taught to avoid 
the influence, and to shun the example of such 
as have no respect for the Sabbath, nor se- 
rious concern for their own salvation. 



BEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 21 



CHAPTER II. 



Plan for obtaining an education. Difficulties in entering on it. Leaves 
home for Dartmouth College. His journey. Safe arrival. Descrip- 
tion of the place. Finds Mr. J. O. Begins to labor. Commences the 
study of Latin. Privations and hardships. Enters College. Con- 
tinues to reside at the Mills and labor. Recites regularly with his 
class in College. Whole period of his residence at the Mills. Ac- 
count of his religious state. Joins the College Church. 



"Sometime in the month of June 1772, a plan 
was proposed by Mr. J. O., who had removed 
the preceding year, into the neighborhood of 
Dartmouth College, for several young men to 
procure a College education, and to defray their 
expenses, by tending a saw-mill and grist-mill, 
the property of the College, which he had ta- 
ken to run on shares. A brother of Mr. O. 
had before this, become a member of Dartmouth 
College. 1 had been thinking of a public educa- 
tion for some time, and had been desirous of 
obtaining one ; but no way seemed to be open 
to me for it. Two of my acquaintance con- 
cluded to make trial of Mr. O's plan, and I felt 
inclined to join them in this new and arduous 



22 MEMOIR OF 

enterprize. But numerous and seemingly in- 
surmountable difficulties lay in the way : As 
my father was considerably advanced in life, 
(turned of fifty) and had no other son except 
one who was then an infant about six months 
old, and had involved himself in debt to a con- 
siderable amount, for the purchase of a suitable 
settlement for me that I might live near to him. 
He had seven daughters, most of whom were 
dependent on him ; and on learning my plan 
to leave home for the purpose of acquiring an 
education, my parents started such strong ob- 
jections, that I felt it to be my duty, at first, to 
give it up. Still the subject was on my mind 
continually through the summer, and I was not 
satisfied to abandon it. At length, I signified by 
letter, to Mr. J. O., my desire to go and pursue 
his proposed plan, and received an answer from 
him in the forepart of September, which fixed 
my determination to go forward. My father 
offered me one half of his property, if I would 
relinquish the idea of leaving him, and remain 
on the farm ; but I replied that I had rather 
give up my claims to any part of his estate 
than not go. My friends, in general, regarded 
it as a visionary and wild undertaking which 
would soon be given up in despair ; and dissua- 
ded me all in their power. 

" My father told me that, as I was of age, he 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 23 

had no legal right to control me, and should 
leave me to do as I thought best. He did not 
refuse to assist me so far as he was able ; yet 
he was not in circumstances to afford me much 
pecuniary aid. Having made the best prepara- 
tion I could under my circumstances, I set out, 
with three others, for Dartmouth College, Sept. 
28th, 1772. I took my axe with me, and such 
articles of clothing and a few such books as 
were most necessary. 

" Four of us started in company, taking one 
small horse with us, on which the youngest and 
most feeble of our company rode most of the 
way. Three of us travelled on foot, and for 
part of two days, each footman swung his pack, 
soldier-like. But, at length we contrived to 
place our packs on our horse. The distance 
we were to travel was computed to be one 
hundred and eighty miles. I had only about 
fifteen shillings in money in my pocket to bear 
my expenses on the journey ; and as this pro- 
ved insufficient, I received some more from one 
of our company. We travelled, on an average, 
about thirty miles a day. I had never before 
been twenty miles from home, nor gone on foot 
a whole day at a time. I became excessively 
weary, and at times almost ready to lie down 
in the street. On the third day, as we went 
from Hartford, on the east side of Connecticut 



24 MEMOIR OF 

River, we reached the Chickopee River in Mas- 
sachusetts ; and finding the bridge gone, three 
of us forded this river. One rode the horse 
over, and ascertained that it was not dangerous, 
on account of its depth. We pulled off our stock- 
ings and shoes, and waded across, a distance 
of about ten rods. The water was cold, the 
stream rapid, and the bottom covered with 
sharp and slippery stones. We reached Clare- 
mont,"in New Hampshire, on Saturday night, 
and put up at a small tavern, over the Sabbath, 
on the beach of Sugar River. The Landlord 
was an Episcopalian. A meeting was held at 
his house on the Sabbath. On Monday, Oct* 
5th, we reached the College Mills. 

" The Mills were one mile south from the 
College. They stood on a large brook, and 
near to them, was an interval of fifteen or twen- 
ty acres of land, which interval was nearly sur- 
rounded on one side by a high hill of a semicir- 
cular form, which extended from North East, 
to South West. This hill was thickly covered 
with forest trees. The road from the Mills to 
the College, after about sixty rods of level land, 
passed directly up this hill which was about one 
fourth of a mile from the bottom to the top, 
and thence through a hemlock swamp, nearly 
half a mile in width, before it reached the plain 
on which the College stood. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 25 

" We found Mr. J. O., living alone in a small 
framed unfinished house, which had been built 
for the residence of the man who should tend 
the College Mills. A more solitary and roman- 
tic situation can seldom be found. The howl- 
ing of wild beasts, and the plaintive notes of the 
owl, greatly added to the gloominess of the 
night season. Mr. O., was supplied with some 
provisions and utensils, sufficient for one who 
lived in his solitary condition. His lodging was 
a, box made of boards, called a bunk, with a 
ticken filled with pine shavings, and a sufficient 
covering of Indian blankets. For the first week 
we strangers took each one a blanket and slept 
upon the floor ; — but in a short time we fur- 
nished ourselves with bunks and straw beds, 
and with utensils sufficient to take our meals in 
a more decent manner. 

" The first four or five weeks we spent in 
tending the mills, and in clearing away the trees 
near our house, which furnished a supply of fuel 
for the winter. One of our company soon gave 
up the idea of studying, and returned to Con- 
necticut before winter. Three of us now en- 
tered on the study of the Latin Grammar, and 
continued to pursue our studies through the 
winter. Our tutor was a brother of Mr. J. 0. y 
who was a member of the Sophomore Class in 
College. We gave him his board for his ser- 



26 MEMOIR OF 

vice in teaching us ; — and we had no other in- 
structor till we entered College. During the 
first winter, we studied in our cold house, and 
used pine knots to burn for lights, instead of 
candles, for a part of the time. I lodged in the 
chamber, with one of my class-mates. We as- 
cended a ladder placed in our small entry. My 
pillow was a duffed great coat, and our cover- 
ing narrow Indian blankets. We did our own 
cooking and washing until the latter part of 
March, w T hen a young married couple came 
from Connecticut, and lived in our house, and 
superintended our domestic concerns. Having 
repaired a small cottage near by, built in part 
of logs, we removed into that to study and 
lodge, where we remained during the next sum- 
mer, suffering many inconveniences, and under- 
going many privations. 

" On the return of spring in 1773, as soon as 
the ice dissolved, we resumed our sawing. We 
sawed about sixty thousand feet of pine boards, 
and stuck them up. We also tended the grist 
mill in our turns. We had one dollar per thou- 
sand for sawing and stacking the boards, and 
half the toll for grinding. We also burned over 
several acres of ground, and cleared them for 
tillage, — we sowed a part with clover seed 
for mowing and pasture, and planted yearly 
about one acre of corn, besides our garden. 



REV. JOSEPH VAtLL. 27 

Our corn-field was never plowed. We em- 
ployed our hoes in planting the corn, and we 
dug our field when the corn was up, with our 
hoes. The first spring after we commenced 
our settlement there, the measles broke out in 
our family, and proved fatal in the case of one 
of our number, who was thrown into a quick 
consumption, which terminated his life in about 
six weeks. This was an afflictive Providence 
to us all. 

" In the first summer, we built a new conven- 
ient house. One of our number and myself 
constructed the chimney ; and for want of 
cattle, we backed the stones from several rods 
distance. The mantle-tree stone, two of us car- 
ried on our shoulders nearly a mile ; and the 
jamb-stones, we backed some distance. By the 
time we had finished our house, which was in 
September, my health was very much redu- 
ced ; and I experienced a severe attack of the 
dysentery, attended with a burning fever ; and 
for several days, my life was greatly threatened. 
But through a merciful Providence, I was at 
length restored to health. Thus, I continued 
to labor and study for two years, before I, 
with one of the company, entered College. My 
hardships were excessive, and especially in the 
spring, when, after studying through the winter, 
we turned out in the latter part of March, two 



28 MEMOIR OF 

of us at a time, and tended the saw-mill for 
about six weeks together. In the second spring 
we sawed about seventy thousand feet of boards; 
and in the third about ninety thousand. We 
made it our rule to saw every evening, except 
Saturday and Sabbath evenings, till ten o'clock, 
and in the mean time, some one, in his turn, 
tended the grist-mill. 

" About two years after we began our enter- 
prise, two young men from Massachusetts join- 
ed us, one of whom brought on an excellent 
cow, which furnished us with milk and butter 
for most of the year, and greatly contributed to 
our living more comfortably. 

" After I entered college, I went twice a day 
to recite with my class in College, which made 
me four miles travel each day. We recited to 
our Tutor immediately after morning prayers, 
and again at eleven o'clock ; and some part of 
the time we had three recitations in a day. In 
the winter, we rose frequently at five o'clock,and 
in the shortest days at six o'clock, and having 
united in morning prayer in our family, I set 
off for College, having to face the North West 
wind, which was cold and piercing in that cli- 
mate; and not unfrequently, I had to break 
my path through a new fall of snow, a foot in 
depth or more. Considering the severity of 
the winters in that cold region, it w r as marvel- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 29 

ous that I did not freeze my limbs, or perish 
with the cold, especially as I was but thinly 
clothed for that climate. After my admission 
to College, I tended the saw-mill about six 
weeks in the spring, which was chiefly vaca- 
tion ; and in summer, in addition to going to 
College twice or three times a day, I made it 
my rule to labor about three hours in the field 
or garden, or some other kind of manual labor. 
I had scarcely a moment's leisure from one day, 
week and month to another. My hardships 
were excessive, and especially in the Spring, in 
tending the saw-mill. I was frequently exposed 
to being drenched with water when mending 
the trough or buckets of the water-wheel ; 
and in one instance, I experienced a narrow es- 
cape from being torn in pieces by the saw. 

" I continued at the mills and pursued my 
studies and labors until the month of June 1777, 
when I was in my Junior year, which comple- 
ted the term of about four years and a half. 

" As I have before observed, my attention to 
the things of religion became more rational and 
permanent, before I left home ; — and my de- 
sign when I set out to procure an education, 
was that I might be prepared for the work of 
the ministry. This object I kept continually in 
view, after I entered on the prosecution of my 
plan. My mind was habitually impressed with 



30 MEMOIR OF 

the importance of living a religious life, I daily 
kept up secret prayer, and paid a greater atten- 
tion to reading and hearing the word. I gained 
more clear and satisfactory views of the doc- 
trines of the Gospel, and of the nature of re- 
generation, and Christian exercises from the 
discourses of our President, Dr. Eleazer Whee- 
lock. About this time, I recollect that I had 
for a short time, some very comforting viewa 
of the glory of God's character, and divine 
things ; and perceived a sensible alteration in 
my feelings. I found myself frequently in the 
exercise of ejaculatory prayer when studying 
my lessons. But these new views and feelings 
were followed by great spiritual darkness, and 
with such a deep sense of my sinfulness and 
great unworthiness that I dared not indulge so 
much as a faint hope that I was converted. 
Thus I remained for nearly two years in a very 
uncomfortable state, I still kept up, daily, my 
secret devotions, but had great conflicts from 
my inbred corruptions, and could take no com- 
fort in things of this world, nor but little in the 
things of religion. I had many fears, at times, 
lest I had committed the unpardonable sin, from 
all of which my mind was at length freed. 
Thus, for a long season, while I resided at the 
mills, I was sifted and tried in every corner of 
my heart. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 31 

" In the winter after I entered College, there 
was a revival of religion among the students. 
The awakening was more general in the Fresh- 
man class, though there was a solemnity among 
nearly all the members of College. A number 
of my class-mates, and several others, were 
brought to indulge hope of their conversion. 
My exercises of mind at this time, were pecu- 
liar. Though I felt great anxiety for my spir- 
itual state, I could not realize that I was in a 
state of condemnation, nor yet did I dare to 
hope that I was a Christian, though, at times, 
I thought I experienced real delight in religion, 
and from that time, my light and evidence that 
I was a friend of Christ gradually increased. 
Notwithstanding the little evidence I had gain- 
ed of my conversion, I ventured to join the 
College Church sometime in 1775, while a 
Sophomore ; and I hope, by the amazing 
grace of God, that notwithstanding my great 
remains of the body of sin and death, my 
criminal short-comings and abuse of distin 
guished privileges my experience has borne 
some faint resemblance to the light of the morn- 
ing, which shineth more and more unto the 
perfect day." 



32 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER III. 



Goes to room in College. Instructs the Canadian boys. Experiences 
sickness. Leaves College for a time. College exercises interrupted. 
Returns to College. Has charge of Mores' School. Again leaves 
College. Returns. Finds embarrassments. Graduates with his class. 
Acknowledges the goodness of God in carrying him through. Stu- 
dies Theology. Licensed to preach. Invited to Hadlyme. Receives 
ordination. 



In June 1777, then in his junior year in Col- 
lege, Mr. Vaill, finding his health greatly' impair- 
ed by his routine of labors and hardships at 
the mills, sought advice of the President of the 
College whether some other course might not 
be open to him by which he might defray his 
expenses and pursue his studies. The Presi- 
dent proposed that he should remove into Col- 
lege, and take charge of certain Canadian boys, 
who had been sent there to receive an English 
education, and that he should have his board 
and tuition for instructing and taking the over- 
sight of them. Accordingly he took a room in 
College ; became the instructor of these boys, 
and in this manner defrayed his expenses and 



BEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 33 

continued with his class, pursuing his own stud- 
ies, till his health failed under this change. He 
was attacked with the billious fever in the month 
of August, which continued for about three 
weeks, with unabated force. In this sickness, 
he was poorly provided for with suitable nurs- 
ing, or with convenient lodging ; being in Col- 
lege, without a constant attendant, most of the 
students gone, and having but few comforts. 
One of his class-mates went to his room several 
times in a day, and kindly administered to his 
wants ; and the female who had the care of the 
Canadian boys sent him nourishing food, as he 
became able to receive it. A Physician atten- 
ded him, and after his fever abated, he gradu- 
ally convalesced ; and as soon as he was able 
to ride on horseback, it was thought advisable 
that he should take a journey to Connecticut. 
He accordingly set out, and pursued his journey 
moderately, as he was able, and safely reached 
his father's house in Litchfield, where he re- 
mained till his health was fully restored. 

On his return to College, he took charge of 
Mores' School, so called from a benefactor, of 
that name, to the College. This school was 
kept in a room in the College building, and by 
means of this service, Mr. Vaill continued to 
defray his expenses in part for one term, when 
in consequence of the scarcity of provisions, and 



34 MEMOIR OF 

the deranged state of the College and of the 
Country, he returned again to Connecticut, and 
spent the winter of 1778, at his father's in Litch- 
field. The state of the College, at that period, 
is thus described by Mr. Vaill. 

"The College was frequently in a state of 
alarm and especially so after Burgoyne, with 
the Northern army had taken the forts of Ti- 
conderoga and Crown-point. Such was the 
confusion among the students, as well as appre- 
hension on the part of the faculty, that College 
exercises were often interrupted, and in several 
instances, they were suspended, and the students 
permitted to return home ; or they were sent 
for by their parents, or called for to join the 
militia, or to enlist in the army. For as many 
as two years before I graduated, frequent in- 
terruptions and embarrassments attended our 
College course. 

" In the spring of 1778, I returned back to 
the College ; but not finding provision made 
sufficient to board all the students in the com- 
mons, a number of us of different classes, agreed 
to purchase our own provisions, and to hire 
our board dressed at a private house not far 
from the College, and we continued thus to live 
until commencement, which was the fourth 
Wednesday in August. I then took my degree 
with my class ; and to pay up my College bills 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 35 

which remained unpaid, I was obliged to hire 
some money, which brought me in debt about 
twenty dollars, at the close of my College life." 

" In carrying me through the trials and hard- 
ships of my Collegiate course, I find in the re- 
view, abundant occasion for gratitude to God 
for his care over me, and loving kindness to- 
wards me ; and I would particularly notice the 
following things in which his goodness appears 
to have been very conspicuous. 

"1. In upholding me and enabling me to 
maintain constantly, an unshaken resolution to 
persevere in my undertaking, amidst all my dis- 
couragments. Though my health was feeble, 
and I experienced distressing sickness, and 
great depression of spirits, and often felt that I 
could not long survive, yet I was not shaken in 
my purpose to go forward. Indeed, there was 
no time at which I indulged, for a moment, the 
thought of relinquishing the object I had in view. 

" 2. When I was brought into great straits 
through want of clothing or provisions, a way 
was soon opened in Providence for my relief. 
At one time I found myself in great straits for 
want of proper apparel ; and for want of some 
articles, it seemed as if I must absent myself 
from the worship of God, on the Sabbath, and, 
on one Saturday, I concluded I should have to 
tarry at home the next day for want of some 



36 MEMOIR OF 

articles of clothing ; but Providentially, before 
night, my father arrived from Connecticut, and 
brought me the articles I wanted, very unex- 
pectedly to me. 

" I would mention another instance still more 
deserving of notice. In my Senior year, having 
returned to College after spending the winter 
at my father's in Litchfield, I was for a short 
time much embarrassed, having no bed, and 
finding no provision made in the hall for the 
board of the students. Being short of mon- 
ey, I knew not, at first, what course to pursue. 
But, through a kind Providence, in the course 
of one or two days, I was provided with a 
room and comfortable lodging, and provisions 
for board. Thus was I provided for, from time 
to time, when I knew not from what quarter 
to look for relief from man." 

Having honorably finished his College edu- 
cation, Mr. Vaill turned his attention directly 
to the study of Theology ; and, for this end, he 
went to reside with the Rev. Mr. Storrs, of 
Northbury, now Plymouth, Oct. 14th, 1778. 
Here, again he was favored with the privilege 
of teaching a public school in the winter, which 
enabled him to meet his pecuniary engagements. 
Mr. Storrs also gave him privileges, received 
him into his family, furnished him with fire- 
wood, gave him the use of his library and in- 



EEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 37 

structed him gratuitously. He remained with 
Mr. Storrs till May, 1779, when the Associa- 
tion, to which Mr. Storrs belonged, met at his 
house, and on his recommendation, Mr. Vaill 
offered himself for examination, and, having 
sustained himself in its several parts, he was 
licensed as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry. 

Extracts from his journal, written while re- 
siding with Mr. Storrs. 

" Nov. 8th, 1778. — Whereas 1 am cold and 
barren, and unfruitful in religion, under pre- 
cious privileges and clear light, and fearing that 
I spend too much of my time in sleep, and 
through negligence, become unfit for spiritual 
duties ; and whereas I am too apt to spend my 
time in conversation that profits not ; I do now, 
in the presence of God, resolve, 

" 1. That I will rise early in the morning, if 
well, and offer up my supplications to the God 
of all grace for divine life and quickening. 

" 2. That I will guard against excess in eat- 
ing, and will take bodily exercise suitable to my 
employment. 

" 3. That I will endeavour to turn all my 
conversation upon profitable subjects. These 
resolutions will I keep, God's grace assisting 
me. 

" Dec. 8th. — I feel some sense of the impor- 
tance of being altogether a Christian, and of 



38 MEMOIR OF 

devoting myself wholly to God. I made some 
resolutions, but find that I easily break them ; I 
am convinced there is such a thing as being 
near to God, and enjoying his special presence 
and communion with him daily. I therefore 
now resolve to deny myself of those things which 
I think stand in the way of such a nearness to 
God, and humbly implore Divine grace to assist 
me to walk with God every day. 

" At times I find so much coldness in religion, 
and my heart so easily drawn away from God, 
that I fear I never was truly reconciled to him 
through Christ ; I fear I never was divorced 
from the law and married to Christ ; my heart 
is so hard, my affections so dull, my duties dead 
works. I am now resolved by Divine grace 
assisting, to rise from my sloth and live like a 
Christian. I expect soon to enter on the great 
work of the ministry : but, alas ! how unfit I 
am therefor ! I must take up the cross, and get 
above the world before I can overcome it. I 
must have Christ for the Captain of my salva- 
tion, or I shall never gain the conquest. Help 
me to live to thee, O my God and Redeemer 
from this date, April 18th, 1779. 

" May 6th. — Day of public fast. This day 
I desire sincerely to confess my sins, and to put 
away every abomination, and penitently to sup- 
plicate the throne of grace for mercy, for re- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 39 

newing grace, and for Divine life and love ; that 
God would effectually humble me, and bring 
me off from every legal dependence, and build 
me up in Christ ; that he would be with me 
and prepare me to preach the Gospel, and to 
go forth into his vineyard in the name of Christ; 
and that he would be entreated for our land and 
save us from ruin, and revive and build up the 
cause of the Redeemer. And O Lord, assist me, 
a poor worm, in all the duties of the day." 

In view of being licensed to preach, 23d 
May, 1779. "If licensed, as I expect to be on 
Tuesday next, I propose to enter upon the work 
of the ministry, on the following Sabbath. O 
that God would prepare me for that great and 
solemn work, and for that end, give me a double 
portion of his Holy Spirit. I pray I may not 
be left to go in my own name ; but, if I am not 
called of God to go forth into his vineyard, that 
he would prevent my going." 

Referring to this period, in a brief review of 
his life, at a subsequent date, he says, " I preach- 
ed the first Sabbath after I was licensed, for 
Mr. Storrs ; and having preached in different 
places four sabbaths in all, I was sent for to 
preach in Hadlyme, where, after I had preach- 
ed for them twenty Sabbaths, the Church and 
Society gave me a call to settle with them in 
the Gospel ministry. 



40 MEMOIR OF 

" Though the society was small and unable to 
give a minister a large salary, and it was then 
going on the sixth year of the revolutionary war, 
and the rapid depreciation of the paper curren- 
cy rendered the situation of ministers truly em- 
barrassing, in being confined to small salaries, 
still I adhered to the maxim, which I had adop- 
ted before, that where a people gave a can- 
didate an harmonious invitation to settle with 
them and manifested a willingness to support 
him according to their ability, he ought to view 
it a call of Providence. I therefore, after ta- 
king the subject into solemn consideration, and 
seeking light from above, gave them an affirma- 
tive answer on the 1st of January, 1780. They 
proceeded to select an Ecclesiastical coun- 
cil, and appointed the 9th day of February fol- 
lowing, for my ordination. I was accordingly 
ordained over the Church of Hadlyme, on the 
9th of February, 1780." 

Thus was he enabled to accomplish his plan 
for obtaining an education, and permitted to 
receive a pastoral charge. What pious youth 
that seeks to be qualified for the Gospel Minis- 
try will not take encouragement from this ex- 
ample ? It is not surprising that, to friends and 
acquaintance, Mr. Vaill's course should, at first, 
have appeared visionary and impracticable. It 
involved hardships and privations ; and it re- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 41 

quired much self-denying effort ; yet he main- 
tained it undiscouraged, and was carried through 
successfully, at a period when there were no 
public charities provided for indigent pious youth, 
and when the facilities for young men to help 
themselves were far less than at the present 
time. 

The hardships through which Mr. Vaill pas- 
sed in acquiring his education, had formed his 
habits of self-discipline. He had learned to 
submit to privation, and to endure toil, and pa- 
tiently to bear trials. It is evident that he was 
not seeking great things for himself; nor was 
he aspiring after a great place ; but he was 
ready to labor in his Master's cause in a hum- 
ble station, and with limited means, if he could 
only be useful to the cause of Christ, and be 
found faithful in the part of the vineyard entrus- 
ted to him. 

4* 



45 MEMOIKOP 



CHAPTER IV 



Enters on the Pastoral "office. Time of declension. Half-way cove- 
nant. Pastoral labors. Interest in children. His oversight of his 
people. Attention to the afflicted. Doctrinal views. Importance 
of sound doctrine. Punctuality. Character of liis preaching. Its 
influence. His fidelity acknowledged. 



The period at which Mr. Vaill commenced his 
Pastoral labors was one of trial to faithful 
ministers. The revolutionary war was in pro- 
gress ; the minds of people were absorbed with 
interest in the events of this protracted, and 
then doubtful struggle. Alarms were frequent ; 
and the attention of the people on the Sabbath, 
as well as on other days, was diverted from the 
subject of religion to the passing events, and 
was occupied with good or bad news from the 
army. In this state of public feeling, the regu- 
lar worship of God failed of securing that holy 
influence on churches and congregations, which 
is ordinarily witnessed under the preaching of 
the Gospel in time of peace and tranquility. It 
was a time of declension in the churches. The 
church in Hadlyme was in a low state, consist- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 48 

ing of less than forty members, and of these, 
only twelve were males. The half-way cove- 
nant, as it has been termed, had been intro- 
duced, to some extent in the Congregational 
churches of Connecticut. By this, heads of 
families were permitted to give their assent to 
the articles of faith in a church, for the sake of 
having their children baptized, when they, as 
parents, gave no evidence of a change of heart, 
and did not view themselves as qualified to go 
to the ordinance of the Lord's supper. Some 
of the Pastors wereArminians in their Theologi- 
cal views ; and, in general, Pastors were satisfied 
with the maintenance of the regular worship 
of God on the Sabbath, as constituting the 
required amount of their labors. 

In entering on the Pastoral office, Mr. Vaill 
set himself at once against the half-way cove- 
nant practice. As some diversity of opinion 
prevailed in his church in regard to this, it occa- 
sioned him some trials for a time ; but, at length, 
he had the happiness to see his church united 
in abandoning it. 

In addition to the regular worship of God on 
the Sabbath, he early commenced a series of 
labors which with occasional suspensions and 
alterations in conformity to circumstances, he 
maintained through a period of more than fifty 
years. Religious conferences and prayer meet- 



44 MEMOIR OF 

ings, and church prayer meetings were includ- 
ed in this series of labors. At first, great 
prejudices existed against religious meetings in 
the evening, and occasional religious meetings 
on week days ; and in reference to his maintain- 
ing these in the early part of his ministry, Mr. 
Vaill was called by some, a New Light, (which 
was a term applied to certain separatical preach- 
ers, on account of their innovations and irregu- 
larities.) Experience of the utility of such 
meetings gradually diminished the prejudices 
against them, and instead of being regarded as 
irregularities, tending to dangerous results, they 
were found conducive to piety, and have become 
common in all Evangelical churches. 

The religious instruction of children was early 
an object of attention in the ministry of Mr. 
Vaill. He not only inculcated and urged on 
parents and heads of families, their duty to train 
up those committed to them in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord ; he also publicly cate- 
chised the children in the house of God, at ap- 
pointed seasons, and held occasional religious 
meetings for the improvement of the young 
people, which he conducted differently at dif- 
ferent times, with a view to keep alive and in- 
crease the interest in them. As inspector and 
visitor of the Common Schools, he also exerted 
a salutary moral and religious influence over 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 45 

the minds of the young. His attention to the 
religious welfare of the children and youth of 
his congregation was not for a period, and then 
given up ; but it was continued with undimin- 
ished interest through his whole ministry. In 
the religious education of the children, he was 
laboring in the nursery of the church, and this 
too, with encouraging prospect of the church's 
increase and prosperity. After Sabbath Schools 
were instituted, the religious instruction of chil- 
dren was more extended, and not so immedi- 
ately dependent on the Pastor ; yet the Pas- 
tor's influence was still concerned in the ope- 
ration of the Sabbath School, and in the adap- 
tation of the course of instruction to the im- 
provement of the pupils. 

As a Pastor, Mr. Vaill watched over his flock 
as one deeply feeling the weight of his charge ; 
and he diligently ministered to them, not only 
in public on the Sabbath, but also from house 
to house. As his Church was small, and his 
parish not large, he was enabled to know the 
state of families and of individuals more fully 
than most Pastors. In his intercourse with his 
people, he was open, kind, frank and honest in 
efforts for their spiritual good, so that however, 
at times, individuals felt reproved in their con- 
duct by his fidelity, or might be ready to be of- 
fended at his plainness, they were constrained 



46 MEMOIR OF 

to feel that his motives were good. The con- 
viction was deep and general, that he was an 
honest man, honestly laboring in the cause of 
his Master. 

He acquired the confidence of his people, and 
retained it, not by some periodical and extraor- 
dinary efforts, not by a few brilliant achiev- 
ments, nor by attempting great things in the 
sight of men, but by the patient and persevering 
discharge of his ministerial duties, in a plain and 
unostentatious manner, under many discourage- 
ments, through a long ministry. 

In seasons of affliction, he was careful to re- 
member his people in his prayers, and to visit 
them, to sympathize with them, and to give them 
instruction suited to their circumstances. He 
viewed such seasons as favorable for inducing 
them to attend to their spiritual interests ; and 
at such seasons the most careless are often wil- 
ling to see a minister, and are in a tender state 
of feeling, so that Pastoral visits can be made 
in prospect of good. The devoted Pastor ex- 
periences, in his visits to the sick and dying, and 
in families in w T hich death has been commis- 
sioned to enter the most affecting and thrilling 
scenes of interest in his ministry ; and it is in 
this portion of his labors, that he may avail 
himself of the natural sympathies and sensibili- 
ties of our nature in carrying instruction to the 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 47 

heart. In no connection is the presence of the 
Godly Minister more valued than by the bed- 
side of the sick and dying, on funeral occasions, 
and in the house of mourning. 

In his doctrinal sentiments Mr. Vaill was 
strictly Calvinistic. He adhered to the formu- 
la of doctrine in the Saybrook Platform and in 
the Catechism of the Assembly of Divines. He 
laid much stress on doctrinal preaching. The 
totally depraved state of man ; the necessity of 
regeneration by the Holy Spirit ; the Divinity 
and atonement of Christ, the fulness and free- 
ness of salvation through the atonement to them 
who believe, the sovereignty of God in the 
election of grace, the perseverance of saints in 
holiness unto eternal life, and the duty of sinners 
to comply immediately with the terms of the 
gospel, are subjects on which he dwelt much in 
his preaching. Indeed, the doctrines of grace, 
as maintained by New England Calvinists, were 
inculcated in his public preaching and Pastoral 
visits, in contradistinction to the Arminian views 
which prevailed, more or less, in the former 
part of his ministry, and in opposition to the 
Arminian and Pelagian philosophy which made 
its appearance in the latter part of his ministry. 
The following extract from his journal shows 
his adherence to the great doctrines, and how 
cautious he would be against introducing into 



48 MEMOIR OF 

his pulpit a preacher, who should not hold to 
them. 

"While absent from my people, something 
very singular occurred. I left them without 
encouragement that the pulpit would be suppli- 
ed on the following sabbath ; and on my return 
I found they had been supplied by a minister 
of another denomination, who is unsound in the 
fundamental articles of the Christian faith. I 
conclude the plan was set on foot by some per- 
son or persons inimical to me, or rather to the 
doctrines which I preach, and who are wishing 
to break up the order of the society, or, at least 
to introduce an Arminian preacher. That any 
members of the Church should encourage or 
connive at such a move is the most wonderful. 
It is extremely singular for a people, in the ab- 
sence of their Pastor to call in a preacher of 
another denomination, who is known to be of 
opposite sentiments in doctrine to their own 
minister; and as singular for a preacher to come 
in under such circumstances. But I leave the 
event with the Divine Disposer of all events. 

" I consider it a great judgment for any peo- 
ple to have a minister settled among them who 
prophecies smooth things, who denies the total- 
ly depraved state of man by nature, the neces- 
sity of regeneration by the Spirit of God, the 
doctrine of Divine sovereignty in the salvation 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 49 

of sinners, and the perseverance of saints, as 
with the denial of these, are connected senti- 
ments which are entirely subversive of the 
whole scheme of salvation by Jesus Christ." 
(1804.) 

Thus regarding the doctrines of grace, he 
could not give his countenance to preachers 
whom he deemed unsound in the faith, nor 
could he hear them preach, without faithfully 
remonstrating against their unsoundness. He 
did not view erroneous doctrine as harmless, 
nor as safe for any people. Hence he was not 
only cautious not to admit such preachers into 
his own pulpit, but was faithful, when called to 
take a part in the examination of candidates 
for the gospel ministry, to bring out their views 
of the great doctrines of the Bible ; and he 
acted the same faithful part, also, when called 
to sit as a member of Ecclesiastical councils for 
the examination of candidates for ordination, 
He would conform to the Apostolic directions, 
in requiring those invested with the sacred 
office, " to hold fast, the form of sound words, to 
speak the things which become sound doctrine^ 
holding fast the faithful word, that they may be 
able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to con- 
vince gainsayers.'' Modern speculations in re* 
gard to moral agency and native depravity, he 
regarded as innovations upon the faith. He 



50 MEMOIR OF 

often mourned in view of the tendency of these 
speculations to unsettle the church in their for- 
mer doctrinal views, and to encourage and 
countenance a lax theology. 

Punctuality is a seemingly small virtue, yet, 
in a minister of the gospel, it is of cardinal im- 
portance. Mr. Vaill was distinguished for his 
punctuality in all the relations of life. This 
trait in his character had no small influence in 
securing good results in his ministry. When he 
made an appointment he did not forget it. At 
the hour of public worship on the Sabbath, he 
was present ; at the appointed hour for the 
prayer meeting or religious conference, or pub- 
lic lecture, or funeral, he was present. His 
punctuality extended to all his engagements, at 
home and abroad, among his people and on 
Ecclesiastical councils. This punctuality in their 
Pastor had its influence on the people. It tend- 
ed to make them punctual in their attendance 
on his appointments for religious worship ; they 
knew he would be present at the time appoint- 
ed, and of course, they made their arrange- 
ments to be present also. Though he lived at 
the distance of nearly a mile from the house of 
public worship, he rarely if ever failed of being 
present punctually at the appointed hour on the 
Sabbath, at all seasons of the year, and under 
all the variations in the weather. So uniform 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 51 

was he in respect to attendance and to time, 
that his approach to the house of the Lord on 
the morning of the Sabbath became a kind of 
regulator for the time-pieces in the neighbor- 
hood. 

As a preacher, he was plain and simple in 
in his style, and in his manner, solemn and ar- 
dent. His countenance was grave and sober, 
indicative of sincerity and seriousness of pur- 
pose. His voice was full and distinct, so that 
he could be easily heard by all in the assembly ; 
and his public preaching, as to manner and 
matter, was adapted to edify the people of God. 
Though he could not be ranked among the most 
talented, or the most logical, or the most elo- 
quent preachers ; still he always preached im- 
portant truth in a manner to instruct and edify 
the people of God ; and he was often very sol- 
emn and impressive in the application of truth 
to sinners, and in his addresses to them ; and 
in general he had the attention of his audience. 
Under such a preacher, a people would be 
very criminal not to become well indoctrinated 
and well instructed in the duties of piety and mo- 
rality, and the people of God might be expected 
to be spiritually edified, and to be built up in 
the faith and hope of the Gospel. 

The long period of his ministry afforded him 
an opportunity to be well known as a preacher 



52 MEMOI R OP 

in neighboring congregations ; and in the latter 
part of his ministry, when he stood almost alone, 
as one of the fathers, laden with experience, 
and viewing his course as nearly finished, he 
was received and listened to with delight by 
the good people in all those congregations, and 
was looked upon as a venerable and faithful 
minister of Christ. 



BSV. JOSEPH VAILL. 53 



CHAPTER V. 



His marriage. A happy connection. Fidelity of hie companion. Suc- 
cess in the government and education of their children. Industry 
and economy. Devoted to the instruction of youth. Extracts from 
his journal. Death of his companion. Extracts from his letters. 
Affectionate respect shown him by his children. 



It is sometimes the case that men appear to 
greater advantage in public than in domestic 
and private life. In a memoir that is designed 
to be a faithful representation of the character 
of an individual, it is necessary to view him in 
the every day walks of life, and especially in 
his own family, where he is called to act as the 
head and guardian of his little community. 
The domestic relations of a minister of the gos- 
pel, ought ever to be subservient to his useful- 
ness in the higher stations which he sustains to 
the church of God. The subject of this me- 
moir appears to have entertained this view. 
Hence in the choice of a companion for life, he 
selected one that w T as qualified not only to be 
an help meet for him in domestic life, but also 
5* 



54 MEMOIR OF 

in promoting his usefulnes to the Church of 
God, in his sacred calling. 

October 12th, 1780, Rev. Joseph Vaill, of 
Hadlyme, was married to Miss Sarah Fowler, 
eldest daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Fow- 
ler, of East Haddam. The connection was an 
eminently happy one. Mrs. Vaill having been 
educated in a minister's family, knew how to 
accommodate herself to the situation she was 
to fill, and her good sense and exemplary piety 
procured for her the respect and confidence of 
the people to whom her husband ministered. 
In the management of her domestic concerns, 
she sought to please her husband, and was 
uniformly faithful and consistent in sharing 
with him in the cares and responsibilities of 
their household. Discretion is a crowning ex- 
cellence in female character ; and this, in Mrs. 
Vaill, was strikingly manifest. She proved an 
help meet to her husband through a long life, 
and contributed her share of influence in aiding 
him in the government of their household, in 
the education of their children, and in promo- 
ting the cause of religion among the people. 

As the fruit of this marriage, they were 
blessed with eight children four of whom died 
in their infancy and childhood, and four of 
whom are still living — two sons and two 
daughters. The pecuniary embarrassments 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 55 

which attended Mr. Vaill in the early part of 
his ministry, in procuring for his family a com- 
fortable habitation, and in providing for their 
support, called for the united wisdom and 
economy of himself and wife ; and through the 
blessing of God on their united exertions, and 
mutual counsels, they were extricated from 
debt, and found themselves with their young 
and rising family in the possession of a small 
brown house, and a few acres of land. There, 
they lived happy in each other ; happy in their 
children; happy in the people among whom 
they dwelt, and contented with the allotments 
of Providence. That humble dwelling was 
the abode of domestic peace ; of intelligence ; 
of cheerfulness ; of piety, and of hospitality. A 
stranger could not pass the night in that Chris- 
tian family without feeling that religion casts a 
loveliness over the domestic circle, and that the 
sweetest joys of earthly friendship are shared 
in the family. 

In all his domestic management, Mr. Vaill 
was an example of industry and economy. 
His industry was manifest in the constancy of 
his attention to the wants and welfare of his 
family ; in his husbanding every thing, in his lim- 
ited means, to the best advantage ; and in suf- 
fering nothing to be wasted or lost through 
carelessness. His garden, his orchard, the little 



56 MEMOIR OF 

land which he tilled ; his barn and out-houses ; 
and every thing pertaining to his fences ; his 
domestic animals and the general appearance 
of the whole, bore testimony to his industry. 
His economy was equally conspicuous with his 
industry. He understood and practiced the 
art of living well upon small means. The 
nominal salary which he received from his peo- 
ple was seventy pounds, in addition to which 
they made him some presents. In training up 
a family on his limited means, it was necessary 
to practice the strictest economy, and this he 
cheerfully performed as a Christian duty. He 
watched over his children and restrained them 
and instructed them with great fidelity. In 
discharging towards them his duty as a parent 
he was unwearied and unremitted in his efforts. 
He early attempted to form their habits in con- 
formity to the requirements of Christ ; and he 
trained them to respect the institutions of relig- 
ion and to be liberal in their feelings towards 
objects of benevolence. His devotedness to 
his family did not lead him to neglect his peo- 
ple. He was always in season in his weekly 
preparations for the pulpit, which were gener- 
ally completed by Saturday noon. He wrote 
much, and generally he commenced his pre- 
paration for the Sabbath early in the week, and 
had more or less time for visiting or for receiv- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 57 

ing company, without interfering with his pre- 
paration for the Sabbath. It was his practice, 
on Saturday evening, to read his sermons in his 
family, which he expected to preach on the 
Sabbath, giving his wife an opportunity to ex- 
press her views in regard to them and the 
children an opportunity of hearing the truth 
contained in them, and this exercise was follow- 
ed generally with some appropriate counsel to 
the children on the concerns of their salvation. 
Mr. Vaill devoted some portion of his time to 
the instruction of youth. He opened a school 
in his own house, which he continued with oc- 
casional intermissions for several years, greatly 
for the improvement of the youth in his own, as 
well as neighboring parishes. Among those 
who were instructed by him in the preparatory 
stages of their education, were his two sons, 
the Rev. Wm. F. Vaill, late missionary to 
the Osage Indians, now missionary in the 
State of Illinois ; and the Rev. Joseph Vaill, of 
Brimfield, Massachusetts. The late Rev. Dr. 
Griffin, the Rev. Dr. Harvey, and Wm. Hun- 
gerford, Esq. of the Hartford bar, may also be 
named as among his pupils in the preparatory 
stages of their education. By means of his 
school, he was enabled to assist his sons in ob- 
taining their College education, and also, to 
give his daughters an education, qualifying them 



58 MEMOItt OF 

for usefulness as teachers and as heads of fami- 
lies. Few parents have been more successful in 
the government and education of their children ; 
and few parents have been more loved and 
respected by their children, up to the close of 
life. Mr. Vaill, after carrying each of his sons 
through their professional studies, had the satis- 
faction of seeing them licensed, and go forth 
acceptable preachers of the Gospel, and very 
soon invited to become pastors of Churches. 
Each son requested the father to preach at his 
ordination, and at each ordination the father had 
the satisfaction to perform this solemn service. 

In the education of his children, Mr. Vaill 
uniformly had regard to their spiritual inter- 
ests. The following extracts from his journal 
show the deep solicitude which he had for their 
salvation. 

1785. " A tender concern for the salvation 
of my children, has greatly impressed my mind ; 
and yet, after all, I am infinitely too cold and 
indifferent in my prayers and labors for their 
salvation." 

1806. "I hope my eldest son is really ac- 
quainted with religion experimentally ; and I 
labor and pray for the conversion of my other 
children ; and I hope God will ere long bestow 
saving blessings upon their souls." 

1814. "Though I have seemed to be but 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 59 

poorly successful in the main, since I was set- 
tled in the ministry, yet I have this for my con- 
solation, that I have two sons in the ministry, 
who, I hope, love religion and may make use- 
ful men. I also hope that each of my daugh- 
ters is a friend of Christ. I can have no great- 
er joy than to see my children walking in the 
truth. Though I passed through great hard- 
ships and many dangers in procuring my edu- 
cation, and have had a series of trials and diffi- 
culties to encounter since I entered the minis- 
try, yet these are far more than compensated, 
if I may be instrumental in training up souls for 
heaven." 

1819. "My wife and children lie much 
upon my mind ; but I desire to leave them all 
with God. A God of the widow and the father- 
less is he in his holy mountain. I have in my 
poor, imperfect way labored to train up my 
children for God from the early dawn of their 
reason. To him I dedicated them in their in- 
fancy, in baptism ; and I followed them with 
instruction in the great truths of our holy relig- 
ion as they were capable of receiving it. I re- 
strained them from loose companions ; from 
vicious practices, and from those ruinous and 
enchanting amusements by which many are 
ensnared and ruined : always attempting to 
remember them in my prayers, and looking to 



60 MEMOIR OF 

God that he would bestow saving mercies upon 
their souls. And though I have poorly per- 
formed these duties to my children, I still hope 
the God of all grace has followed my efforts 
with a blessing. I must soon leave those of 
them who may survive me in an evil world ; 
and to whom can I commit them, who can keep 
them in safety, but to thee, O thou Dear Sav- 
iour. With thee I leave my dear wife, should 
she survive me, and with thee I leave my fa- 
therless children, and to thy merciful and 
faithful care I commit my flock. O, forsake 
them not ; deny them not the sanctifying influ- 
ences of thy Holy Spirit. I am rapidly ad- 
vancing towards eternity ! Solemn thought ! 
How soon will it be said of me, ' he is dead/ 
People of my acquaintance who survive me, 
will point to my habitation as they pass by it 
and say, ' there lived their late minister '.' " 

In July, 1832, Mr. Vaill was called to part 
with the wife of hi^ youth, with whom he had 
lived almost fifty-two years. This bereaving 
providence he bore with calmness and pious 
resignation. The following entry was made 
in his private journal at the time. " Yester- 
day morning, I was called to part with the 
companion of my youth. She expired about 
six o'clock, after a distressing sickness of more 
than six weeks. While she had her reason, 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 61 

she appeared to be much composed and re- 
signed to the Divine will. She was scarcely 
heard to utter a complaint or groan through 
her long sickness. I hope she was a sincere 
friend of Christ, and that she has made a happy 
exchange of worlds. She had been a professor 
of religion nearly sixty years, and has lived a 
regular and exemplary life. She has truly been 
a faithful wife, and a kind and faithful mother to 
our children. Truly my loss is great. I am 
left in a lonely condition, but I have abundant 
cause for thankfulness that God has continued 
her to me so long." 

" This day my beloved companion was com- 
mitted to the grave. The funeral was appointed 
at two o'clock, P. M. The Rev. Isaac Parsons 
preached on the occasion from Psalm cxvi. 15. 
'■ Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death 
of his saints.' A large and solemn congrega- 
tion were present. I must soon follow my 
departed companion. I hope I have now 
some comfort in God, and resignation to his 
holy will." 

This affliction gave him an opportunity to 
exhibit the Christian graces of submission ; of 
meekness ; of trust in God ; and of spiritual 
mindedness. Though he was eighty-one years 
of age, and encompassed with infirmities, yet 
he was not heard to murmur or complain ; and 
6 



62 MEMOIR OF 

he felt that God had not forsaken him, though 
he had sorely bereaved him. His youngest 
daughter remained with him, and with affec- 
tionate assiduity ministered to his wants, and 
made his last years as comfortable as filial 
affection could make them under the decays of 
age. The following extract is from a letter 
written by this daughter. 

" We shall all bear testimony to his parental 
fidelity. Never were children more faithfully 
instructed than his. He always took particu- 
lar pains with us on the Sabbath. He required 
us to give a particular account of the sermons 
we heard ; of the books we read ; and frequent- 
ly propounded questions upon the doctrines of 
Scripture. Father was a peculiar advocate 
for early rising. To that trait in his charac- 
ter, we can attribute much of what he was able 
to accomplish. Punctuality was likewise a 
prominent trait in his character. He formerly 
lived a very laborious life ; when he preached, 
attended to the tuition of a number of youth 
fitting for College, labored upon his farm, and 
attended to visiting his people. He never was 
idle, until incapacitated for the active duties of 
life by old age. I send you a copy of what he 
wrote in my Album when he was eighty years 
of age, which is in letter form." 

This copy is here inserted. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 63 

" My Dear Child : You will, I trust, listen 
to the counsel of a father, who now, by reason 
of the decrepitude of age, stands on the verge 
of eternity. I have ever exercised a tender so- 
licitude for your temporal and spiritual welfare. 
It is my heart's desire and prayer to God, that 
you may possess the one thing needful, and that 
you may prove an eminent follower of the dear 
Redeemer, and be a great blessing in your day 
and generation, and, at last, receive the reward 
which he will bestow upon his servants who 
have been faithful unto death. Be not anxious 
to obtain the great things of this world, for 
yourself, or to make a conspicuous figure among 
the fashionable and brilliant circles of the age. 
But, let it be your first and chief concern to 
obtain " the hidden man of the heart," in that 
which is not corruptible, even the ornament 
of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of 
God is of great price. 

" Make diligent and faithful use of your pre- 
cious time, which is rapidly gliding away. 
Spend no portion of it in foolish jesting and 
trifling amusements. Be careful to rise early, 
when in health, and retire into your closet and 
pray to your heavenly Father, who " seeth in 
secret," and let every day be closed with the 
like devotion. 

" Never let a day pass without reading some 



64 MEMOIR OF 

portion of the sacred Scriptures, unless Provi- 
dentially prevented. As the mariner keeps 
his eye on his compass, when sailing on the 
dangerous ocean, so all who desire a safe pas- 
sage through this tempestuous world to the 
haven of eternal rest, should make the Word 
of God their constant guide. 

" Always bear in mind that a life of faith on 
the Son of God, and holy obedience to all his 
commands, is the only safe course for frail, sin- 
ful creatures to pursue, while they are passing 
through this evil, distracted, dying world to a 
boundless eternity. To maintain a life of ar- 
dent piety, and a humble, prayerful walk with 
God, will alone prepare people for a faithful 
discharge of the dujies which belong to their 
respective stations, and to share the consola- 
tions and supports of the gospel under the trials 
and sufferings which they may be called to ex- 
perience in their journey through this world, 
and to enjoy comfort under the dark and pain- 
ful scenes which are common to decrepit old 
age ; or at whatever stage of their existence, 
they may be called out of time, their end will 
be peace and their eternity blessed. 

From your affectionate parent, 

Joseph Vaill." 

Hadlyme, Dec. 25th, 1830. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 65 

Extracts from letters to his eldest daughter. 

"My Dear Child: You are now as you 
have been for several summers past, in a place 
of great responsibility. The care of the edu- 
cation of children, is a solemn charge. The 
person who officiates as an instructor of schools, 
has something more to do than to teach them 
the common rules of reading and writing. 
There should be strict attention paid to their 
manners ; their morals and religion. I know 
there are many obstacles in the way of the suc- 
cess of school teachers, in promoting the ends 
above mentioned, where they have not the co- 
operation of parents ; but this will not excuse 
them from a faithful discharge of their duty. 
The good government of a school, is also at- 
tended with many difficulties, and especially 
where parents are deficient essentially, in the 
subjection of their children to parental author- 
ity. Hence much wisdom, prudence, and dis- 
cretion are requisite. Too much severity is 
detrimental ; though good discipline is neces- 
sary." 

To the same daughter at another date. 

" As I draw near to my great and last change, 
I think I have an increasing sense of the weight 
and importance of eternal things, and, of course, 
the world with all its riches, honors and refine- 
ments, appears to be more and more an empty 
6* 



66 MEMOIR OF 

place, and wholly unworthy of the eager pur- 
suit of a rational and immortal creature. I am 
also more deeply convinced of the infinite im- 
portance of Christians living near to God, and 
of maintaining a course of self T denial, and of 
spiritual mindedness, and that they daily im- 
prove their time and talents for Christ. This, 
my daughter, is the only course which will lead 
to a peaceful and blessed immortality." 

To the same, while on a tour to the South. 
" My earthly tabernacle must soon be dissolv- 
ed ; but I hope I have a building of God, not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens. At turns I 
have distressing doubts, and great anxieties 
about my spiritual state. We all rejoice to 
hear that you have had a prosperous journey 
thus far. I hope the Lord will carry you all 
to the place of destination, and that you may 
be returned again in health and peace ; and 
that you may do good and get much spiritual 
good, on your tour. You will continue to share 
a remembrance in my prayers : and may the 
God of all grace be with you." 

The following extract is from a letter, dated 
Feb., 1831, soon after the marriage of this 
daughter with Joel Norcross, Esq., of Monson, 
Massachusetts, addressed to them jointly. 

" It is natural for parents to be pleased with 
the promising prospects under which their 



REV. J08EPH VAILL. 67 

children are settled in the world, and espe- 
cially, for aged parents to have the prospect of 
leaving them in a prosperous and eligible con- 
dition, when they expect soon to quit the stage, 
and can see their children no more. But still 
all pious parents have doubtless a stronger de- 
sire that the respective branches of their family 
should be left in the possession of an infinitely 
more important heritage than earth can possi- 
bly afford. My wish above all things, is that 
your souls may be in health and prosper." 

" July, 1834. Should I live until next Mon- 
day, I shall be eighty-three years old, but I 
know my time of life is fast drawing to a close. 
My great anxiety is to be found in readiness 
for my Lord's coming. This, my daughter, is 
an object of sufficient importance to engross 
our chief attention through life." 

"Jan., 1836. I generally rest tolerably well 
at night, though my mind is so constantly em- 
ployed in dreams that the nights seem very 
long. I am generally much in company with 
ministers, and oftentimes am attending on reli- 
gious exercises in my slumbering moments. 
But, still, I have my depressed and gloomy 
turns when awake, though I have intervals, I 
hope, in which I enjoy some spiritual consola- 
tions ; but the thought of the last conflict with 
death lies much upon my mind. I view it a 



68 MEMOIR OF 

great thing to be a sincere Christian. Eternity, 
and a due preparation for heaven, should daily 
be uppermost, amid all the labors and employ- 
ments of life. O, my dear children, you will, 1 
hope, daily keep your end in sight, and labor, 
and pray fervently for the full assurance of 
hope. That you and all your family connec- 
tions may be prepared to meet your God, and 
give up your account with joy, is the sincere 
prayer of your aged father. J. Vaill." 

It must be a satisfaction to children, to re- 
view the life, and recall to mind, the example 
and the counsels of such a father. That his 
fidelity to them as a Christian father, was in a 
measure recompensed in their dutiful conduct 
and affectionate regard to his welfare even to 
the close of life, there is abundant evidence to 
believe. The younger son, the Rev. Joseph 
Vaill, of Brimfield, Mass., expressed himself 
thus in a letter to the ministerial brother who 
preached at the funeral of his father. 

" Brimfield, Dec. 12th, 1838. Rev. and Dear 
Brother — Mrs. Norcross has favored me with 
the perusal of a letter received from you, giving 
particulars of the death and burial of our hon- 
ored father. I take this opportunity to tender 
to you my sincere thanks for the interest you 
took in him, and for the part you bore in giving 
him a Christian burial. May God reward you 



REV. JOSEPH VAtLL. 69 

my brother, an hundred fold, I always felt 
that, should I survive my father, I should not 
fail, if possible to be present, if not to close his 
eyes in death, at least, to attend him to his 
grave. But it was so ordered in Providence, 
that I must be denied the mournful privilege. 
He was committed to the dust the very day 
we received the first intelligence of his illness. 
But every thing was done, I doubt not, that was 
proper to be done, to testify respect to this 
good man, as it regards his funeral obsequies,'* 






70 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER VI. 



Hia natural shrewdness. His feelings in regard to this trait in his 
character. Powers of conversation. Poetical talent. Extracts from 
his poetry. Notice of his publications. Sermon at the ordination of 
his younger son — extracts. Sermon at the ordination of his elder 
Bon — extracts. 



The natural qualities of men are not changed 
under the transforming power of Divine grace, 
in the renewal of their moral natures and trans- 
formation into the moral likeness of Christ. 
There was in Mr. Vaill a natural shrewdness, 
and quickness of discernment in regard to men 
and things, which gave to his conversation, at 
times, a facetiousness which was highly en- 
livening and interesting. Many anecdotes are 
still in the remembrance of his acquaintance, 
illustrative of this trait in his character. It was 
by means of this trait, that he was, at times, 
very severe in his retorts upon such as would 
accost him impertinently, or, for the sake of 
drawing forth some humerous reply. At times, 
also, his wit, in spite of all his efforts to restrain 
it, would spend itself pleasantly upon his friends. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 71 

It would flow out so unexpectedly and from 
under so ministerial a countenance, and with 
such pertinence of application, that every one 
in the company would be amused, and yet no 
one injured or offended by it. He was sensi- 
ble of this foible, if it can be called a foible, and 
in his journal, he has recorded many resolutions 
at different times, in regard to restraining his 
speech and avoiding light and trifling conver- 
sation. 

The following will exhibit his feelings in view 
of his indulgence in this trait of his character. 

" What seems greatly to darken my eviden- 
ces that I am a follower of Christ is my being 
often betrayed into light and unprofitable con- 
versation, and especially when in company with 
ministers, who, of all others ought to be the 
most grave and circumspect in their life and 
conversation. I have reflected when alone, 
with much shame and sorrow upon my humor- 
ous observations in company, which have ex- 
cited laughter. Some humor may not be in- 
consistent with the Christian charact?r, but 
how exceedingly inclined are people to go to 
excess in lightness of speech which Paul tells 
us is not convenient" 

Mr. Vaill's powers of conversation were sur- 
passed by few. He was accessible to all, ready 
to converse with any one he met ; and, in gen- 



72 MEMOIR OF 

eral his conversation was turned on something 
that was profitable. He would find something 
to say on the subject of religion in some form 
or other, in whatever company he might fall 
It did not seem to fatigue him to talk. Good 
common sense characterized him in the use of 
his powers of conversation, and in general he 
interested and profited those with whom he 
conversed. He was particularly careful to 
speak with children, and young persons, and to 
say something that would lead their minds to 
the subject of religion. The children of his pa- 
rish, and in families in which he was known out 
of his parish, uniformly looked up to him as the 
man of God whose counsels were good. 

His studies, from the commencement of his 
education were maintained under many disad- 
vantages. After he entered the ministry he 
had not leisure to indulge to any great extent 
in literary pursuits, or in labors foreign to his 
profession, for he was a laborious, working man 
in his calling. Still from early life, he discov- 
ered a poetical vein, which, under proper cul- 
ture, and with leisure to indulge his fancy, 
might have acquired for him a considerable 
reputation as a poet. While in College, he in- 
dulged his fancy to some extent, in writing 
short pieces of poetiy ; and he did the same 
also, in the course of his ministry. Several of 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 73 

his pieces have been published. His poem en- 
titled " Noah's Flood " is most deserving of 
notice in this place. This was printed in pam- 
phlet form in 1796. It consists of two parts. 

Part I. " Contains an historical account of 
the Deluge taken from the Bible ; interspersed 
with conjectural observations" 

Part II. " Is designed as a Moral Improve- 
ment of the subject" 

The whole poem consists of nearly five hun- 
dred and fifty lines. The following extracts 
will give the reader a specimen. The first is a 
few lines of the opening of the poem. 

4 ' In the beginning, from chaotic night, 
God, by his powerful voice, called forth the light. 
When he the corner stone of nature laid, 
The morning stars their joyous homage paid, 
And all the sons of God with sweet amaze, 
In glorious concert joined to shout his praise ; 
They saw, with raptured minds this work divine, 
And gazed to see the rays of Godhead shine ; 
Saw the thick darkness sever from the light, 
And infant time commence her day and night." 

After noticing the several steps in the pro- 
gress of the creation, paradise, the apostacy 
and subsequent wickedness of the race, the 
piety of Enoch and Noah, the warning of the 
latter to prepare an ark for his safety, the build- 
7 



74 MEMOIR OF 

ing of the ark, its dimensions and appearance, 
he thus proceeds : 

" Here stands this wonderous ship, no water near ; 

The people view the novel with a sneer, 

And laugh to see the folly of the man, 

To waste his substance and his life in vain. 

Now the good patriarch with his chosen band, 

Prepare to embark at God's supreme command, 

When beasts and fowls and creeping things convene, 

Moved by an impulse from a power unseen ; 

When some of every kind by pairs embark, 

And find protection in the friendly Ark." 



*' And now the ark bears up]her ponderous load, 
Slow and majestic towards the sable cloud ; 
Then drifts secure before the stormy gales, 
Without the aid of pilot, helm or sails. 
She's wafted safely o'er the watery main, 
Upheld and guided by a hand unseen, 
Each passenger in health, no life is lost, 
Though with the stormy winds and billows tost. 
And now on every side the waters rise, 
Till they o'ertop the hills and meet the skies ; 
When every thing in which was vital breath, 
Is swept away with universal death." 

The following is from the second part of the 
poem, and will serve as a specimen of his "Mor- 
al improvement of the subject." 

*' As Noah's Ark sailed safe amidst the waves, 

O'er rocks, o'er mountains, and ten thousand graves, 



i 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 75 

Upheld and managed by the Almighty's hand, 
Until his household reached the wish'd for land : 
Thus safely, on their passage, Christians move, 
Borne by the arms of everlasting love, 
Jesus will waft them o'er the troubled seas 
To the fair haven of eternal peace. 
Here saints of every tongue, at last shall meet, 
And form one temple holy and complete ; 
Redeem'd from hell and washed from every stain, 
They shall with God and Christ, in glory reign." 

The following extract is from the conclusion 
of the poem. 

" The world, once drowned, is now reserved in store, 

To be destroyed by God's consuming power. 

Redemption finish'd and his church complete, 

The elements shall melt with fervent heat ; 

Dread lightning flash, and peals of thunder roll, 

And rock the burning world from pole to pole ; 

Creation welter in a mass of fire, 

When days, and time, and nature shall expire ! 

When God shall pour his vengeance from on high, 

Where will poor infidels for covert fly ? 

No Ark to screen them from the fiery flood, 

The powers of darkness, or the wrath of God ; 

No hiding-place for safety can be found, 

In dark retreats or caverns of the ground ; 

No one to guard them from the burning flame, 

Or fiercest wrath of the incensed Lamb." 

In connection with the above poem, the au- 
thor published three other short pieces. 1. 
" Youth cautioned against vice," consisting of 1 70 



76 MEMOIR OF 

lines. 2. " Happiness? containing 40 lines. 
3. " Hymn for a New Year? containing 32 lines. 
In addition to these, his poetical " Address to a 
Deist? may be named as an illustration of his 
shrewdness in exposing the folly and fallacy of 
the Deist's principles. 

In the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, 
first series, there are several of his essays. His 
signature to some of them was Jethro, and to 
others, Senex. He also wrote a number of es- 
says in the Pilgrim, which was published at 
New Haven, in 1822 ~ 3. He was a contribu- 
tor, from time to time, to the Religious periodi- 
cals of the day ; and formerly, he addressed 
a series of letters to his female pupils upon va- 
rious subjects relating to their best welfare, 
some of which have been published in public 
journals. His remarks upon temperance, in 
the latter part of his life, addressed to the aged, 
were extensively circulated in the newspapers, 
and were thought to do good. 

The sermon which he preached at the ordi- 
nation of his younger son, Mr. Joseph Vaill, to 
the pastoral charge of the Church of Christ in 
Brimfield,Massachusetts,in 1814,was published. 
This is the only sermon of which the compiler 
has knowledge, that he has left in print. The 
title of this sermon was " The Son of God 

MANIFESTED TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE 






REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 77 

Devil/' The text is I John m : 8. " For this 
purpose was the Son of God manifested, that 
he might destroy the works of the devil." This 
sermon is a plain and faithful exhibition of im- 
portant truths, containing, in the first place, a 
scriptural view of the works of the devil, and 
in the second place, an illustration of the way 
and means by which the Son of God will in re- 
demption, destroy the works of the devil. This 
illustration is followed by appropriate inferen- 
ces and addresses, from which the following are 
selected. 

"1. That the wisdom, benevolence, grace, and 
justice of God are marvelously displayed in the 
great work of redemption. 

" 2. We learn the great impiety as well as 
presumption of such as teach the doctrine of 
universal salvation. 

" 3. All who enter the ministry should be 
men of skill in divinity, possessed of true zeal, 
holy fortitude, and eminent piety. 

" 4. We see the deplorable condition of all 
who are enemies to Christ." 

Address to the pastor elect. " My son, as 
you are this day to be solemnly consecrated by 
the servants of Christ, to enter w T ith them into 
his labors, you are to view yourself under the 
highest obligations to prove yourself his faithful 
ambassador. You are now about to enlist pub- 



78 MEMOIR OF 

licly under the banner of the Redeemer, to aid 
in destroying the works of the devil. And are 
you deeply solicitous to know how one so im- 
perfect and of but small experience in the Chris- 
tian warfare, shall perform this weighty busi- 
ness ? And especially, since it is a work infi- 
nitely too great for an arm of flesh to accom- 
plish? While you a?e ready to sink under its 
pressure, from a consciousness of your utter in- 
sufficiency, call to mind how a youthful David 
effected the destruction of the mighty Goliah of 
Gath. Though but a stripling, David prevailed 
over this powerful champion, with only a sling 
and a stone. He encountered him not in his 
own name, but in the name of the God of the 
armies of Israel. Go, therefore, in the strength 
of the Lord of Hosts, and he will make your 
way prosperous. You may with safety adopt 
the words of Paul, ' I can do all things through 
Christ which strengtheneth me.' 

" Would you prove an able and successful 
minister of Jesus Christ, you must take heed to 
your doctrine as well as to your practice. Preach 
the doctrines of the cross, clearly and faithfully. 
Seek not to please men, but your Divine Mas- 
ter. Let not a vain desire for popular applause 
induce you to suppress the soul-humbling truths 
of the Gospel which are so disgustful to the 
corrupt heart. Let it be your constant labor 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 79 

and concern, to save your own soul, and them 
that hear you. Maintain a humble and circum- 
spect and holy walk with God. Keep near the 
throne of Grace, pray fervently and impor- 
tunately to God, for yourself and your flock. 
Watch over them with tenderness and fidelity. 
' Feed Christ's sheep, and feed his lambs with 
the sincere milk of the word, that they may 
grow thereby.' 

" The work in which you are about to en- 
gage is a glorious work, though attended with 
great and numerous trials. It is a work in 
which the Sacred Three, and the myriads of 
holy angels which surround the throne of God, 
are continually employed ; a work which all 
the redeemed of Christ have been laboring to 
promote from the beginning. Be willing to 
spend and be spent in this blessed service. 
And freely sacrifice your ease, your reputation, 
your worldly possessions, and even life itself, if 
necessary, in the promotion of so glorious a 
cause. 

" My son, be strong in the grace that is in 
Christ Jesus. The vows of God are doubly 
upon you. You was dedicated in the early 
dawn of life. You have also given up yourself 
to him, by a voluntary profession of Christ. And 
you are now to be publicly consecrated to him 
by his ministers, to be employed as a laborer 



80 MEMOIR OF 

in his harvest. And your father, who, by rea- 
son of age, stands on the verge of eternity, 
does now cordially give you up afresh to the 
Son of God ; hoping and praying that you may 
shine as a light in the world, when he shall 
sleep in the dust. ' May your bow abide in 
strength by the hands of the Mighty God of 
Jacob.' And, as he that was separated from 
his brethren, was made instrumental of saving 
much people alive, so may you be the means 
of rescuing many souls from endless ruin. And 
God grant that a large number of your flock 
may be given you for ' the seal of your minis- 
try, and the crown of your rejoicing in the 
day when he shall make up his jewels.' ' Be 
thou faithful unto death, and Christ will give 
thee a crown of life.' 

" To the Church and Congregation in Brim- 
field. — Christian Brethren and friends : — As 
you have united in calling this youth to settle 
with you in the sacred ministry, it is the heart's 
desire and prayer of the speaker, that he may 
prove a rich and lasting blessing to you and 
your children. But, considering the deceitful- 
ness of the human heart, and that many who 
have had a fair beginning, have concerning the 
faith made shipwreck, you cannot be assured 
that he will endure to the end. Yet, it is still 
earnestly hoped, that your expectations may 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 81 

not be disappointed. But, after all, much de- 
pends upon your conduct towards him. It is 
highly important that you treat your young 
pastor with tenderness and candor, yet with 
faithfulness, and that you aid him by your 
friendly counsels, your example, and fervent 
prayers. And it is expected that you, in par- 
ticular, who love Christ, and the souls of your 
fellow men, will prove an Aaron and a Hur, to 
aid in holding up his feeble hands, and that you 
will unite with him in attempting to destroy 
the works of the devil. 

"Do not depress his spirit by causelessly 
neglecting to attend upon the worship and or- 
dinances of God in his house ; nor by restrain- 
ing prayer in your families. And do you de- 
sire that your children and servants may be 
early taught of God, and trained up for heaven ? 
Bring them with you from Sabbath to Sabbath, 
to the sanctuary. And press home upon their 
consciences, in private, those truths which they 
hear in public. Restrain them from evil com- 
pany and vicious practices, and labor to train 
them up in the paths of true piety, that they 
may be useful and happy in this world, and 
everlastingly blessed in the world to come. 

" And, my brethren, let me exhort you to 
take heed, lest you receive the grace of God in 



82 MEMOIR OF, 

vain. Take heed how you hear, and how you 
improve your spiritual privileges, looking dili- 
gently lest any root of bitterness springing up, 
trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. 
Keep constantly in mind your accountability to 
God. The time is short. You must soon meet 
your minister at the tribunal of Christ. And 
may he so preach, and you so hear, that each 
of you may give up your account with joy and 
not with grief. And may you mutually prove 
each other's ' crown of joy and rejoicing in the 
day of the Lord Jesus/ " 

" The Discriminating Teacher"— This is the 
title of a manuscript sermon, preached by the 
Rev. Joseph Vaill, at North Guilford, in 1808, 
at the ordination of his eldest son, the Rev. 
Wm. F. Vaill. The text is selected from Jere- 
miah xv. 19 : " Therefore, thus saith the Lord, 
if thou return, then will I bring thee again, and 
thou shalt stand before me, and if thou take 
forth the precious from the vile, then shalt thou 
be as my mouth ; let them return unto thee, 
but return not thou unto them." 

After some appropriate remarks upon the 
circumstances under which the text was spo- 
ken, and illustrative of its import, the following 
doctrinal sentiment is brought to view : " It 
is infinitely important for ministers and teach- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 83 

ers to take fwth the precious from the vile, in 
all their administrations ; or, in other words, 
to discriminate between truth and error ; between 
him that serveth God, and him that serveth him 
not." 

The sentiment is illustrated and enforced 
under two heads. 

" I. How ministers of the gospel are to make 
this discrimination. 

" II. Reasons why they should 'do this. 

REFLECTIONS. 

" 1. Such as would be God's mouth to man- 
kind, should be men of eminent piety, and of 
eminent knowledge in the holy scriptures. 

" 2 They should be men of true Christian 
zeal and fortitude. 

" 3 They should be abundant in the duty 
of prayer. 

"4. Learn the guilt of false teachers and 
unfaithful ministers." 

Extracts from his address in this sermon, to 
his son. 

" My son, as you are this day to be set apart 
to the work of the ministry, and to be as God's 
mouth to the people in this place, I trust you 
will listen to the counsel of a father who has 
had the experience of many years in this im- 
portant work, and who has well nigh finished 



84 MEMOIR OF 

his course, and the ministry which he has re. 
ceived of the Lord Jesus. As you have de- 
sired the office of a bishop, you have desired a 
good work. Though attended with great tri- 
als, it is a blessed employment. How blessed 
to spend life, and employ every talent in build- 
ing up the kingdom of the Redeemer ! What 
calling can be more blessed than for imperfect 
men to be co-workers with God, and ambassa- 
dors for Christ ! How consoling the thought 
of being used as instruments to enlighten, to 
quicken and sanctify Christians, and to train 
them up for the heavenly world ! 

" Look well, my son, to the motives by which 
you are actuated ; see that you have an ulti- 
mate regard for the glory of God ; see that you 
seek not your own, but the things that are Jesus 
Christ's ; that you preach not yourself, but 
Christ and him crucified. Let the following 
considerations bear with weight upon your 
mind. You are utterly insufficient for the work 
to which you are called, of yourself; you will 
continually need communications of light, of 
quickening and of wisdom from above. You are 
responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ, how you 
fulfill your ministry. Keep in view the day of 
account, when you must meet the people of 
your charge before the tribunal of Christ. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL, 



85 



Then you must render an account how you 
have preached, and they how they have heard 
the gospel." 

Extract from his address to the Church and 
Congregation of North Guilford* 

" Christian brethren and friends : — I trust 
you will receive your young pastor as an as- 
cension gift of the Great Head of the Church. 
And do you desire that his ministry may prove 
savingly beneficial to your souls ? You must 
be reconciled to the truth, and must love and 
receive the genuine truths of the gospel into 
your hearts, and practice them in your lives ; 
you must be firmly united with your minister 
in promoting the cause of Christ. 

" My brethren, do you desire the flourishing 
of pure religion in this place ? You must keep 
alive in the cause ; you must also be a united 
and praying church. You can expect but 
small success from the ministry of your pastor, 
unless you pray fervently and importunately 
for him, that the pleasure of the Lord may 
prosper in his hands." 
8 



86 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER VII. 

Extracts from his Journal, illustrating his personal piety. 

In his personal piety, Mr. Vaill was governed 
by deep and abiding convictions of duty. He 
regarded religion as the great concern of life, 
and he felt that it required daily attention to 
lead a religious life, and more or less self-denial. 
He was regular and uniform in his observance 
of secret prayer ; and was to some extent, in the 
habit of setting apart days for private fasting 
and prayer, with a view to increase his own 
spirituality. The following extract is from his 
journal, entered in 1780, in view of a day of 
private fasting. 

" Considering my barrenness, coldness, stu- 
pidity, formality, and the absolute need in which 
I stand of the divine presence, and of feeling 
my dependence upon Christ, and how I have 
dishonored God by my coldness and worldly- 
mindedness, and considering the awful stupidity 
prevailing in the Parish, I have concluded to 
set apart this day, Sept. 5th, for secret fasting 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 87 

and prayer, to confess my sins, and to bewail 
my barrenness, and hypocrisy, and to plead 
with God to cleanse me from my sins, and to 
visit my soul with the quickening influences of 
his blessed Spirit, that he would give me the 
life and power of godliness, make me a faith- 
ful minister of Jesus Christ, keep me from be- 
ing ensnared by the world in trying seasons 
that God would lead and guide me in the path 
of duty, and save me from dishonoring his great 
name and wronging precious souls, and that 
he would pour out his Spirit upon the church 
and Society, and greatly revive his work. O, 
that God would grant me his Spirit, to en- 
able me to fast and pray aright, for Christ's 
sake." 

There is no doubt of the utility of private 
fasting and special prayer in promoting the ho- 
liness of God's people, and this means has been 
resorted to by eminently holy ministers, and 
private Christians in every age. 

The following resolutions are entered in his 
journal, Feb. 12th, 1781. 

" Considering the importance of living to the 
glory of God, that not only my own peace and 
welfare much depend upon it, but the spiritual 
welfare of my family, and in a great measure, 
the spiritual welfare of my people also, I do 
now, as in the immediate presence of my Lord 



88 MEMOIR OF 

and Judge, resolve, by his grace assisting me, 

" 1. That I will be more sober, watchful, 
prayerful and temperate. 

" 2. That I will rise early in the morning, and 
my first business shall be, as soon as I can at- 
tend, to call upon God for assistance in the du- 
ties of the day. 

" 3. I will endeavor to converse upon reli- 
gion or something profitable, whenever I have 
opportunity. 

" 4. I will now by divine grace put away 
every sinful lust. 

" 5. I will give myself wholly to God's ser- 
vice. 

" 6. I will use all proper endeavors to revive 
religion in my family and in the society. And 
wilt thou, most blessed Redeemer, help me to 
keep these and all my other resolutions. Amen. 

The following entry was made in his journal 
April 13th, 1782. 

" I find on looking back, that I have been re- 
miss in duty, and have reason to chide myself 
in the following respects. 

" 1. My mind has been greatly perplexed 
about my worldly affairs, especially about pur- 
chasing a place. 

" 2. I have indulged many useless and un- 
profitable thoughts. 

" 3. I have spent too much time in unprofi- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 89 

table conversation, and have not sufficiently 
guarded my tongue in speaking of others, nor 
have I discountenanced the practice as 1 ought. 

" 4. I have spent too much of my time to 
little or no purpose, and have not been suffi- 
ciently engaged in promoting the great work 
to which I am called. 

" 5. I have too much gratified my carnal ap- 
petites, which tends to darkness of mind. I 
fear I have not been temperate in all things as 
it becomes a minister of the gospel to be. 

" 6. I fear I have been guilty of dishonoring 
God by my cold and hypocritical performance 
of duty. 

" 7. I have not been sufficiently watchful 
and prayerful, and have not taken good heed to 
practice as I have preached, nor cherished the 
good emotions of God's Spirit when I have felt 
them. I have been far too selfish in all my 
transactions, of a spiritual and temporal na- 
ture, and have not acted with an eye single to 
the glory of God, as I ought ; for all of which 
I desire to be humble before God ; and I resolve, 
by his grace assisting me, that I will now con- 
secrate myself anew to him. 

" And now, blessed God, by thy grace, I give 
myself wholly to thee, my heart, my best affec- 
tions, my whole soul, my time, my talents, and 

all I enjoy, promising by thine assistance to live 

8* 



90 MEMOIR OF 

and act, and speak, and think as one of thy 
children and one of thy ministers. Lord, ac- 
cept of an unworthy worm, and make one whol- 
ly thine, and wash away all my sins in the blood 
of Christ, and help me to stand and fight a glo- 
rious warfare manfully to the end, with forti- 
tude, courage, humility and meekness, for Je- 
sus' sake. Amen." 

RESOLUTIONS. 

"1. To be temperate in all things. 

" 2. To spend my time wholly for God. 

" 3. Through Christ to crucify the flesh with 
its affections and lusts. 

" 4. To read much, pray much, to meditate 
much, and to watch over my tongue." 

" Sept. 6, 1782. When I look around upon 
the hardness, coldness, and stupidity of this 
people, it fills me with gloom, and seems to 
damp my spirits. I have thought best to set 
apart this day for private fasting and prayer, 
to confess my sins, and the sins of my people, 
to implore divine mercy for myself and people ; 
and O, that God would assist me in these sol- 
emn exercises." 

" March 14, 1795. O, how poorly do I spend 
my time, and how unbecoming a Christian and 
a minister do I live. Another week is gone, 
and what have I done for the cause of God ? 






REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 91 

I have lived too much like one, who has no re- 
ligion. O Lord quicken my barren soul ! " 

" March 29th. I was filled with shame and 
many painful sensations last evening, in taking a 
view of my spiritual barrenness ; and was led 
to many grievous reflections upon myself by 
reading Mr. David Brainerd's diary. I felt as 
though I was full of sin, and had greatly declin- 
ed in religion. If I have any grace, O, how 
small must be the spark. I felt it a difficult 
thing to get near to God, but this must be the 
effect of unbelief. It seemed as if there could 
be no great prospect of my being very useful 
or successful in the ministry, unless I am brought 
to live more spiritually and to be more alive in 
the things of religion. O, how great has been my 
pride and folly, and love of the world ; how 
cold and formal my duties ! Lord have mer- 
cy upon me and quicken my soul ! " 

" May 31st. I have lately had many striking 
views of death. It appears a most solemn and 
fearful change. I often tremble when I bring 
it near. Eternal misery appears inconceivably 
dreadful. I am filled with astonishment, when 
I think of any of my fellow creatures, being 
lost eternally, though I have not such fearful 
apprehensions of perishing as I once had. 
Whether I am deceived or not, God knows ; 
yet, I think much upon the subject, with awful 



92 MEMOIR OF 

wonder and amazement. O how slack, after 
all, am I in my duty towards my fellow sinners, 
in attempting to save their souls from death ! 
When I consider my deficiencies in duty, my 
follies, my blindness, my too great worldliness, 
my spiritual barrenness, I blush and am ashamed 
before God." 

"March 1st, 1800. I have many thoughts 
on religion, and on future things, but am not 
suitably affected by these great subjects. My 
stupidity and want of life in prayer, and of be- 
ing more spiritual in my daily conversation often 
lead me to scruple my sincerity. This morn- 
ing had some serious exercises on the subject 
of ministers' enjoying the presence of Christ. 
I feared I had but small tokens, if any true ones, 
of having the gracious presence of Christ. This 
he hath promised to his faithful ministers, — 
" Lo, I am with you always to the end of the 
world." Though I have thought that I have 
experienced supports and consolations in some 
degree, in the course of my ministry, under tri- 
als, yet why am I so barren ; why no more use- 
ful and successful among my people, if Christ is 
with me ? I know I am unworthy that he 
should come under my roof, much more that 
he should dwell in my heart ; but he has con- 
descended, and does still condescend to dwell 
with the meanest of his followers. O, Divine 



mmmm 



REV. J08EPH VAILL. 93 

Saviour, purify my heart from the idols which 
hinder thee from taking up thine abode with 
me." 

" Dec. 1 1 th, 1 802. With wh at astonishment 
do I often view the thoughtless world, who 
have no apparent concern to escape the wrath 
to come, and to enjoy God's favor in heaven. 
I feel these things with pressing weight in my 
lonely and retired moments ; but when I am 
among people, whom I have reason to fear have 
no religion and are in constant danger of per- 
ishing forever, there is, at times, a sort of back- 
wardness in my mind to introducing these so- 
lemn subjects. The occasion, or the time, or 
place, or company, or previous conversation, 
seem to forbid it ! Forbid ! ! Oh, how do I 
blush with shame, when alone, to think any 
thing should hinder me from attempting to res- 
cue immortal souls from the pit of everlasting 
destruction !" 

"July 15th, 1806. My mind is not alive in 
religion as it ought to be. 1 have a hope that 
I love Christ, and the ways of piety, but how 
many things against me ! The evidences in 
my favor appear to be the following ; 

" 1. I have, as I think, a fixed and realizing 
sense of the truths contained in the word of 
God. 



94 MEMOIR OF 

" 2 Habitual love and relish for the spiritual 
truths of the Gospel. 

" 3 Some real delight in the duties of religion, 
and in Christian conversation. 

"4. Love for those who bear the image of 
Christ. I think I view them as the only excel- 
lent of the earth. Their society, conversation 
and practice afford me much satisfaction. In- 
deed I can take no real satisfaction in the com- 
pany of the worldly and irreligious. 

" 5. I think I have an ardent desire for the 
revival of pure and undefiled religion, not only 
among my own people, but that Christ's king- 
dom may be built up and prevail universally. 

" 6. I put my trust and hope in God, prevail- 
ingly, as the righteous Governor of the world, 
and as the great Disposer of all events, and 
though I am not reconciled, as I ought to be, 
to his adverse Providences, yet I feel a degree 
of resignation prevailing in times of calamity. 

" 7. I trust I am in some measure weaned 
from the world. Though I am sensible I have 
too much of a carnal disposition, yet for many 
years, the world has appeared to me such an 
empty place, and so devoid of all solid comfort 
that I have not been seeking " great things for 
myself." I am far from envying the rich, the 
great and honorable of the earth , and I desire 






REV. JOSEPH VAtLL. 95 

no more of this world than will subserve the 
spiritual good of myself and family. 

" 8. I have some affecting sense, habitually, 
of the shortness and great uncertainty of life, 
and of the solemn scenes of judgment and eter- 
nity, and of the inconceivable misery of such 
as die in their sins. 

" But after all these things, which seem to be 
evidences in favor of my piety, there are still 
other things against me. Such are the follow- 
ing; 

" 1. My having no clearer views of the glory 
of the character of God, and of the excellency 
and preciousness of Jesus Christ. 

" 2. Though I have a great sense of my ex- 
treme vileness, and of the depths of wickedness 
within my heart, yet I am often stumbled that 
I pray and labor no more earnestly to be deliv- 
ered from my inbred corruptions, and to keep 
my body under. 

" 3. My hope is frequently staggered by rea- 
son of that pride which seems to run through 
all my public performances. 

"4. The coldness and wandering thoughts, 
which often attend the performance of duty, 
damp my hope. 

" 5. My disposition too often to indulge in 
light and humorous observations, when in com- 
pany, has been very trying to my mind, and 



96 MEMOI R OF 

frequently has staggered my charity for myself* 

" 6. I find my mind often agitated and ruf* 
fled by disappointments or occurrences, which 
have come on me unexpectedly, when not the 
most weighty things were at stake. 

" 7. My want of life, of love, of zeal and fer- 
vency in attempting to promote vital religion 
among the people of my charge, when, at the 
same time, I have a rational conviction of the 
worth of their souls, and of the danger they are 
in of perishing forever. This has been very 
stumbling to me, and often has led me to call in 
question my own sincerity. 

" 8. But one of the greatest evidences against 
me, is the small proof I can find of that holy 
and growing conformity to God, that meekness, 
humility, deep contrition for sin, and spiritual- 
mindedness, which every Christian, and espe- 
cially every minister of Jesus Christ, ought daily 
to exercise. 6 Search me, O God, and know 
my heart ; try me and know my thoughts ; 
and see if there be any wicked way in me, and 
lead me in the way everlasting.' " 

In a feeble state of health; " Feb. 24th, 1813. 
I can expect but little more than infirmities the 
rest of my days. I desire to pray for patience 
and resignation to the Divine will. My time 
must be very short for this world. Death is a 
solemn scene. I often shudder at the thought 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 97 

of dying, and yet I feel no desire to live barely 
for enjoying the things of this world. Unless I 
can enjoy the presence and blessing of God, and 
be employed in doing good, 1 conceive that I 
can answer no important end by living. I need 
more lively faith in order to meet death with 
Christian fortitude. I hope in the infinite mer- 
cy of God, to prepare me for my great change. 
I view my days as drawing to a close. My 
great concern is to be useful to my people and 
family, while I live, and to be prepared for a 
happy immortality." 

"Oct. 25th. I have very different feelings 
and exercises from day to day, and my state of 
mind alters, and varies; — sometimes I feel 
calm, and take delight, as I think, in religion, 
and in the government of God ; though some- 
times I am gloomy and desponding. At times 
I feel much encouraged to hope that God is 
about to revive his work among my people, 
and that the good work is begun and progres- 
sing ; at other times, I fear that religion is on the 
decline, and that all favorable indications are 
about to die away. But, I desire to leave the 
whole with God. My infirmities as well as 
age denote that my clayey tabernacle will soon 
be dissolved. I feel poorly prepared for the 
heavenly world, I am so much attached to this, 
and yet I hope through the amazing grace and 



98 MEMOIROP 

mercy of the Redeemer, to arrive, at last, at 
that holy and happy place. 

" I think I have full evidence that I am a 
friend to religion, and to the cause of Christ, 
and that I long to see pure religion revive, but 
alas, how unfit do I view myself for the society 
of the redeemed, and of holy angels in heaven* 
But my only hope is in the free and sovereign 
mercy of God to prepare me for that blessed 
world. 

" My only solid support and comfort are 
from the character, work, and promises of the 
Redeemer. I firmly believe he will fully ac- 
complish all his vast designs, and will terminate 
them in the wisest and best manner." 

"May, 1816. Every minister may expect 
more or less trials. I know I am like a weak 
helpless infant in myself. O Lord, in mercy 
pity me, and enable me to live above the world 
while I live in it ; and may I be prepared for 
my departure out of it whenever the summons 
shall come." 

" Dec. I hope I enjoy some comfort and 
support from religion, though I find myself a 
poor imperfect, sinful creature. I stand in 
constant need of the aids of the Divine Spirit 
from above. I am too apt to speak hastily and 
unadvisedly. It is a great Christian attainment 
to bridle the tongue at all times, — that unruly 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 99 

member, — and habitually to live in a calm and 
dispassionate state of mind, and always to be 
an imitator of the meek and lowly Saviour. 
Lord, evermore grant me such a disposition of 
mind as this, both in my public performances, 
and in my daily deportment." 

"July, 1817. I need clearer evidences that 
my peace is made with God, though I hope in 
his infinite mercy through the Redeemer, for 
the great blessings of pardon and salvation. I 
think I enjoy some peculiar sweetness in medi- 
tating on Divine things, and I hope the worship 
of God in public and in private is delightful to 
my soul. But, after all, how vile, how unwor- 
thy, how guilty do I appear in the sight of an 
infinitely pure and holy God." 

k< Dec. As I advance in life, my time seem- 
ingly quickens its pace. The days seem to be 
scarcely come before they are insensably gone. 
If time flies thus rapidly, how soon will it waft 
me off the stage of life ! How I shall feel when 
death shall come, I know not, but the thought 
of dying often fills me with inward dread, not 
so much on account of the pains that will at- 
tend it, as the fear that I am not united to 
Christ. I think I have, at times-, spiritual com- 
forts ; but how small, how inconstant ! Can 
it be, say I frequently to myself, that I, who am 
iso full of sinful imperfections, am prepared for 



100 MEMOIR OF 

the pure and perfect society and employments 
of the upper world ? Though I have a fixed 
and unshaken belief of the great doctrines and 
truth's contained in Divine revelation, yet I have 
not that assured hope which I need, that I am 
interested in the promises of the Gospel." 

" Dec. 25th. I think, through the great loving 
kindness and mercy of God, I have enjoyed 
more comfort in religion of late, and freedom 
in conversation with others upon Divine things. 
My mind has been much more free from dejec- 
tion and melancholy. ' Bless the Lord, O, my 
soul and forget not all his benefits.' How 
great is his goodness to me, a vile, unthankful 
worm of the dust, which has so often grieved 
the Holy Spirit, and abused all my light and 
privileges." 

"July, 1820. I think my active days are 
nearly at an end, and my usefulness, of course, 
cannot, in ordinary circumstances, be continued 
much longer. Nor do I feel a desire to out-live 
my usefulness in the world ; but I desire to 
leave the event with God." 

" Feb. 12th, 1821. If 1 have a principle of 
pure religion in my heart, it must be like a pre- 
cious jewel in the midst of a heap of rubbish. 
How numerous are my sins and imperfections ! 
How marvellous that two things, which are as 
opposite as light and darkness, should exist in 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 101 

the same heart at the same time, viz ; the love 
of God, and such great remains of moral cor- 
ruption. Had not the word of God informed 
us, that two so diametrically opposite principles 
were found in the heart of all Christians, and 
had not this been described by so good a man 
as Paul, which he daily realized from his own 
experience, I should think it impossible for me 
to be a Christian in my present state. But 
what gives me encouragement to hope that I 
am a sincere friend to Christ, is my prevailing 
delight in the character of God, his law, and 
his government, and in the truths of his holy 
word ; and my ardent desire, as I think, to see 
pure religion flourishing, and prevailing." 

" 1823. I find the want of spiritual minded- 
ness, and that I am far too fickle in my feelings, 
I often think I enjoy comfort and sweetness in 
Divine things, but am apt to lose my good 
frames, and to be ruffled, at times, by small 
crossing occurrences. I begin to realize the 
effects of age and infirmities more and more, 
which indicate the general decay of my body, 
and the near approach of my dissolution ; such 
as increasing debility, deafness, failure of mem- 
ory, loss of sight, and the difficulty of recogni- 
zing the faces and names which have formerly 
been familiar to me." 

" May 8th, 1824. I have long viewed it of 
9* 



102 MEMOIR OF 

great importance for people to become well es- 
tablished in the belief and practice of the truths 
of religion in their youth ; and so to devote 
themselves to the service of God, that they may 
enjoy the support of religion, under the decays 
and infirmities of old age. I find my memory 
has greatly failed within a few years, and my 
mind has become weak, and my thoughts of- 
tentimes much scattered, and especially at the 
close of the day, when my body is weary. I 
have had, of late, but little spiritual enjoyment. I 
feel that I am too cold and formal in my prayers, 
and, am troubled with wandering thoughts 
in duty, to such a degree that I often think that 
I have no grace at all. I pray God in his rich 
mercy to have compassion upon me, and quick- 
en my soul, which cleaveth to the dust ; and 
that he would undeceive me, if I am deceived, 
and lift upon me the light of his countenance. 
I find it a great thing, at all times, and in all 
company, to maintain a lively sense of religion." 
" I feel more and more weaned from the 
world, I have but small desires to continue long 
in this world of sin and sorrow ; but still I fear 
that my motives are selfish in living, or in de- 
siring an exchange of worlds. I pray God to 
search me and try me, and lead me in the way 
everlasting. I think I long for conformity to 
the image and will of God/' 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 103 

" I pray for grace so to live as to glorify God 
in death, by enjoying his gracious, his comfort- 
ing, and supporting presence in the last mo- 
ments of my life. It is a most solemn and try- 
ing scene to pass through. I have been much 
exercised how I shall die ; but I hope in the 
God of all grace and consolation, to grant me 
his Holy Spirit to comfort me in that solemn 
hour." 

" July 27th, 1828. I have for some time, I 
hope, enjoyed, for the most part, some real com- 
fort in religion, though at times disheartened in 
my work. I think, that 1 long for nothing so 
intensely as saving grace and the quickening 
and comforting influences of the Holy Ghost. 
The amazingly rapid flight of time reminds me, 
very often, that my race will soon end, and I 
shall be fixed in my final state for Eternity. O, 
amazing thought ! Though I am fully persua- 
ded, that it is my heart's desire to promote pure 
religion and to see the cause of Christ univer- 
sally flourishing, yet my want of far greater 
fervency spiritual mindedness, and more con- 
stant devotedness to God's service, fills me with 
fear and anxiety, lest I should fall short at last." 

"Dec. 17th, 1833. How marvellous is God's 
loving kindness towards me, a poor, guilty, un- 
worthy sinner." 

Extracts from his journal breathing the same 



104 MEMOIR OP 

spirit with the foregoing, might be greatly exten- 
ded. But these specimens show the character 
of his piety, that it was persevering, pervading 
his whole conduct and commending itself to all 
who knew him. As the infirmities of age in- 
creased upon him, Mr. Vaill made less copi- 
ous, and less frequent entries in his journal; yet 
it was continued down nearly to the time of his 
death, and affords abundant evidence of matu- 
rity in Christian experience, and increasing 
meetness for heaven. In proportion as his 
heavenly-mindedness increased, and as he ap^ 
proximated towards sinless perfection, his sense 
of the amazing evil of sin, and of his own un- 
worthiness and dependence upon the grace and 
strength of Christ seemed to deepen ; and, in- 
stead of glorying in himself or in any of his past 
services, he seemed to glory wholly in Christ, 
and to view himself as a poor, unworthy sinner, 
redeemed " by the precious blood of Christ, as; 
of a lamb without blemish and without spot." 






RET. JOSEPH VAILL. 105 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Extracts from his Journal continued. — Birth-day reflections. 
Anniversary of his ordination. New Year's reflections. Parochial 
calls. Spirit of the world. Religious education of children. Paren- 
tal neglect. Two infidels. Modern mode of settling ministers ex- 
ceptionable. Hasty admissions to the Church. Young converts. 



" To the reflecting and pious mind, anniversa- 
ry occasions afford desirable opportunities for 
meditation. Of this sort is the return of the 
day of one's birth, of the new year, or the en- 
trance on a new relation in life. These occa- 
sions are noted in the journal of Mr. Vaill, by 
the entry of some appropriate reflections. A 
few extracts are here inserted, as specimens of 
the use which may be made of such occasions. 

"July 14th, 1804. I am this day fifty- 
three years old ! Oh, how has my life glided 
away like a vapor ! Much more than half of 
my time is doubtless gone, perhaps far the 
greatest part ! And how little have I done to 
promote the honor of God, and the good of 
souls ! I have reason to fear and tremble, 
when I reflect upon my barrenness and want of 
love and zeal in the service of God ! " 



106 MEMOIR OF 

"July 14th, 1822. This is my birth-day. 
I am this day seventy-one years of age. Oh ! 
how ought I to be ashamed of my past un- 
profitable life, and to be humbled in the dust, 
that I have lived so many years to so little 
purpose. Though I hope God has improved 
me as an instrument of some good to souls, and 
to the church of Christ, yet of what numerous 
sins and short-comings in duty do I stand 
chargeable before God ! I have abundant 
cause for the exercise of the warmest grati- 
tude to God for sparing my life so long, and 
for loading me with innumerable benefits. I 
have from my childhood enjoyed great privi- 
leges beyond many of my acquaintance, and 
especially for nearly fifty years past. 

" How marvellous the goodness of God in call- 
ing me away from my parents, and from my 
native place, where I was surrounded by 
many vicious youth, and by irreligious neigh- 
bors, and in opening a door for me in his Provi- 
dence to procure a competent education, to be 
in some measure useful in the ministry ! And 
I now stand on the brink of the grave, and the 
eternal world ; but, blessed be God, if I am not 
deceived, I enjoy a comfortable hope, that my 
sins and sorrows will end with my days/' 

"Sept. 28th, 1822. It is, this day, fifty 
years since I set out from Litchfield, my native 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 107 

place, on foot, to travel an hundred and eighty 
miles, to Dartmouth College, on purpose to 
procure an education, that I might be permit- 
ted to preach the gospel. The time since that 
period has fled away like a vapor, and I have 
passed through many new and trying scenes, 
and have also experienced innumerable mer- 
cies. The greater part of those of my rela- 
tives and acquaintance, who had then arrived 
at the age of twenty-five or thirty years, have 
gone to the grave, and have entered on their 
-eternal state." 

"Friday, July 14th, 1826. This is my 
birth-day. Through the abundant mercy of 
<Jod, 1 have been spared to the age of seventy- 
iive years. Multitudes have come and gone 
off the stage of action since I began my ex- 
istence. Most of my cotemporaries in early 
life are numbered in the great congregation. 
Various and wonderful have been the changes, 
the labors and hardships through which I have 
been called to pass. But in looking back upon 
life, I see reason to lament the sins and follies 
of my childhood and youth, and that I have 
lived no more devoted to God in my more ad- 
vanced age ! There can be but a step — but 
a short space between me and death, and a 
boundless eternity. Though I have attempted 
to live a life of religion for more than half a 
century, yet how far short have I fallen of 



108 MEMOIR OF 

what I ought to have done ! Though I feel 
but little desirous of procuring worldly sub- 
stance, were it in my power, and though 1 
have, for many years, taken up with about half 
of what is common for a people to give their 
minister for his salary of late years, yet I find 
my mind too much encumbered with my world- 
ly affairs. I desire now, by the grace of God, 
to devote the remainder of my life to his ser- 
vice. I hope and pray, that I may yet see 
pure religion flourishing among the people of 
my charge, and in the churches around us, be- 
fore I end my days on earth." 

" July 14th, 1827. This day completes 
seventy-six years of my life. What abundant 
cause have I to bless God, that I have lived 
to see another precious revival among the peo- 
ple of my charge ! I hope and pray that it 
may become general, and that all who have 
remained in an unconverted state, may now 
be brought into the kingdom." 

REFLECTIONS IN REFERENCE TO HIS ORDINATION. 

" Feb. 9th, 1790. This day is just ten years 
since my ordination. I have reason to lament, 
that I have had no more success ; that I have 
done no more for God. I have had many dis- 
couragements in regard to my unsuccessfulness; 
but I encourage myself that God has some elect 






REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 109 

ones in this place, who have already been call- 
ed, and therefore conclude, that though the 
number of Christ's people is small in any place, 
it is important that they be fed and nourished 
by the preaching of the word, that they may 
be prepared for heaven." 

"Feb. 9th, 1819. This is the anniversary 
of my ordination, which was thirty-seven years 
ago. I preached in the afternoon in reference 
to the occasion, but the weather being unfa- 
vorable for the people to attend, the assembly 
was not large. How great have been the 
changes in this period, and how many that once 
belonged to my charge, have gone to the great 
congregation ! Two hundred and twelve have 
died in this place since my ordination, besides 
others that have been lost at sea t I hope God 
will yet further revive his work in this place, 
and yet call in all who are now out of Christ. 
Through increasing infirmities, 1 find that I 
cannot sustain weekly conferences through the 
winter, as I have formerly done. I believe it 
to be my duty to use all proper means to pre- 
serve my health and to lengthen out my use- 
fulness. I wish to do the people all the good 
in my power, by studying and preaching, and 
visiting and distributing religious tracts. I 
have given away, within a short time, upwards 
of one hundred tracts to the school children 
10 



110 MEMOIR OF 

and others. I need a large measure of faith 
and spiritual-mindedness to prepare me to get 
above the fears of death. Though I hope I 
have an interest in Christ, yet alas ! how far 
short do I come of that holy living which God 
requireth of Christians, and especially of min- 
isters ! " 

NEW YEAR'S REFLECTIONS. 

"Jan. 1st, 1802. Through the abundant 
goodness of God, I have been preserved anoth- 
er year. Thousands of the human race have 
passed from time to eternity since the last year 
began. God only knows whether I have not 
entered upon the last year of my life. How 
swiftly is my time passing away, and how poor- 
ly do I improve it ! Though I cannot tax my- 
self with being idle, my greatest deficiency is 
the want of an eye single to the glory of God, 
and not being more engaged in religion. I 
hope I am a friend of Christ, and that I have 
been born again ; but oh ! how small the evi- 
dence of Christian fruit do I find in my soul ! 
How little is the life of the Christian manifest 
in my mortal flesh ! If I am not deceived, I 
take real delight in religion, and in the society 
and conversation of pious people. I pray for 
grace so to live as to glorify God in my life, 
and to enjoy his gracious and comforting pres- 
ence in the last moments of life." 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. Ill 

" Jan. 1804. I feel at the beginning of e very- 
year, as though it would be my last. I know 
a last year of my 7 life must come, and God only 
knows whether this year is not to be with me 
the last. Many souls have been launched into 
eternity during the past year, and many more 
will doubtless die the present year. O ! God, 
teach me so to number my days, that I may 
apply my heart unto wisdom." 

"Jan. 1st, 1817. Through the abundant 
goodness and mercy of God, my life has been 
prolonged another year. How soon has the 
year run out ! O ! what is time ! how fleet- 
ing ! how short ! But a small space parts me 
from eternity. I shall soon exchange worlds. 
And from increasing infirmities, I ought to feel 
admonished, that the change will very soon 
take place. Oh ! that I might begin this year 
with God, and that I may be enabled to live in 
a more humble and spiritual manner, and to 
exhibit more of a patient, submissive and useful 
life. How many millions of the human family 
have been swept off the stage of life since the 
last year commenced ! And many millions 
more will fall this present year ! Lord, am I 
among this number, which this year must die ? 
O ! prepare me by thine amazing grace for my 
great and last change. Prepare me, when I 
depart, to go and be .with Christ, which is far 



112 MEMOIR OF 

better than to continue in this world of sin, of 
confusion and distraction." 

" Jan. 1819. I have experienced many mer- 
cies in the year past, and have abundant rea- 
son to bless God. My people have been very 
kind and liberal to me and my family. They 
have contributed liberally according to their 
numbers and ability, for our comfort, knowing 
that my stated salary is small for the present 
day, when articles of living are so dear. 

I have lately thought, that I have not made 
Jesus Christ the subject of my preaching, as 
much as I ought. I am now resolved to dwell 
more on this subject than I have lately done. 
I believe it to be the great duty of ministers of 
the gospel to dwell much upon the character 
and doctrines of Christ in their public instruc- 
tions. O ! Lord, let the seed of thy word, 
which I have been endeavoring to sow among 
this people for many years, spring up and bear 
fruit to life eternal, if not before, yet after I 
shall be slumbering in the dust ! God is able 
to raise up instruments to succeed me, which 
will far better promote his cause than ever I 
have done." 

"Jan., 1824. Through the mercy and lov- 
ing kindness of God, I am brought to the be- 
ginning of a new year. I think at the com- 
mencement of every year, that it is probably 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 113 

my last, and this probability increases as I ad- 
vance in life, and as my infirmities increase upon 
me. I know there must be a last year, a lasf 
month, a last day, a last hour and moment, with 
me. 

" I have experienced much of divine goodness 
in the year past, as well as my family. I have 
not been detained a single half day from pub- 
lic worship, and I have preached every Sab- 
bath, when I have had no assistance from my 
brethren, and have been enabled to attend a 
number of lectures and other religious meetings 
among my own people and abroad. I hope 
through the grace and mercy of God my use- 
fulness may be continued while my life lasts. 
But my time is near at hand. O ! God, pre- 
pare me to meet the awful summons with holy 
resignation and composure of mind." 

"Jan. 1831. I am still alive, and have en- 
tered on a new year, under as comfortable cir- 
cumstances as almost any person of my age. 
I have abundant cause for thankfulness to my 
merciful Saviour for his goodness to me and 
my family ; for the health and other temporal, 
as well as spiritual blessings and privileges, 
which we have enjoyed. I pray that I may 
be enabled to devote my spared life wholly to 
the service of my Redeemer. 

I think, every day, of my approaching disso- 
10* 



114 MEMOIR OF 

lution, and am greatly concerned to be prepar- 
ed to meet my great change in peace, and to 
enter upon that rest which is in reserve for 
the people of God. My prospects for this 
world are daily lessening. I think I feel in 
some measure as a weaned child, in regard to 
all sublunary things. It is my heart's desire 
and prayer to God, that I may leave the church 
under my pastoral care, in a united and flour- 
ishing state, and that all the unconverted in 
the place may yet be effectually called and 
sanctified, and that all my children and grand- 
children may be humble followers of the Lord 
Jesus Christ." 

Mr. Vaill's infirmities having increased upon 
him, he was obliged for a season to suspend his 
public labors about the close of the year 1831, 
On being able to resume them in January, 
1832, he thus expresses himself in his journal. 

u I went through the public exercises and 
returned home, without being greatly exhaust- 
ed by the labors of the day. I desire to bless 
God, that he is still enabling me to perform fur- 
ther service for him. I hope by divine aid yet 
to be able to preach some longer. I have a 
desire to bring again into view the leading and 
essential doctrines of the gospel, before I quit 
the stage of life. I find the doctrines of the 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL, 115 

cross are growing unpopular, not only with 
many who are members of churches, but with 
a number of ministers who have within a few 
years been settled in the work." 

At another date : " I begin to feel a deep 
anxiety on account of the present state of the 
churches. Though there appears to subsist a 
good degree of union among them in general, 
yet ,1 find some ministerial brethren, and others, 
members of churches, who appear of late to be 
carried away with modern popular sentiments, 
and a style of preaching adopted by some 
young ministers, that are coming on to the 
stage. Not a few have forsaken the doctrine 
of the totally depraved and sinful condition in 
which we are born into the world. And some 
have exploded the doctrine of regeneration by 
the Spirit of God, as taught in the sacred 
scriptures by Christ and his inspired apostles, 
and as has been taught by the most learned, 
skilful and pious divines since the reformation. 
Though these modern preachers profess to hold 
to regeneration, yet they ascribe too much to 
human agency, and hold that regeneration is 
wrought by having the excellency of moral ob- 
jects presented to the view of the soul, and 
that sinners are active in effecting the change 
of their own regeneration ; whereas, the work 



116 MEMOIR OF 

is set forth by the apostle as being a new crea- 
tion, which is wrought alone by the Spirit and 
power of God." 

" Confused ideas, or at least incorrect, are ad- 
vanced by some preachers respecting the in- 
ability of sinners to repent, to believe, or to per- 
form any other duty ; or, rather, no proper dis- 
tinction is kept up between natural and moral 
inability. 

"Another evil which is too common, and 
which I fear is too prevalent with some church 
members, consists in their placing the whole of 
religion in certain frames or states of feeling, 
and in excitements, which are common in re- 
vivals of religion." 

"Jan. 1833. Another year has speedily 
passed away, and I am still spared. Though 
in the spring and summer of the last year, I 
experienced a distressing sickness ; and though 
the partner of my life, the companion of my 
youth, with whom I had lived nearly fifty-two 
years, was severed from me by death, yet I 
have been spared, and have enjoyed, for the 
most part, as comfortable health as is common 
for persons of my age. I wish for clearer evi- 
dences that I am a child of God, though I think 
I am a cordial believer in Christ." 

At another date : " I have much depression 
and gloominess of mind, to which 1 have been 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 117 

more or less subject from my youth up. But 
it will be nothing strange, if these seasons of de- 
pression should become more frequent as my 
age advances, though, through the abundant 
goodness of God, I have many comfortable 
hours. I view it as a favor, that my usefulness 
is in a measure continued, though I have reason 
to lament, that I bring so little to pass from 
day to day, and that I have been instrumental 
of so little good to the souls of those with 
whom I have so long labored. I have reason 
to lament my short comings, my sins and my 
follies, and that I am no more devoted to the 
work of my sacred calling." 

PAROCHIAL CALLS. 

" I called upon a man who has lived a very 
irreligious life nearly sixty years ; found him 
laboring under a very painful lameness ; I 
talked plainly to him upon the concerns of his 
soul, and reminded him of his past wickedness 
and present danger. He appeared to be con- 
siderably affected in view of his situation, but 
discovered no symptoms of a deep and genu- 
ine repentance. 1 fear he is a poor hardened 
sinner, that will never repent and turn to God. 
I hope he will yet be plucked as a brand out of 
the burning." 

" Called and conversed with a man and his 



118 MEMOIR OF 

wife, who are in the younger part of the mar- 
ried life, and appear to have no principle of 
pure religion by which they are influenced, but 
to be devoted wholly to the world. I endeav- 
ored to press home upon their minds the vast 
importance of religion. Oh ! how amazing the 
thought, that such a great proportion of peo- 
ple should grow up, marry, and rear up fami- 
lies, without prayer, or any proper government 
and religious instruction of their children. 

" The religious education of children is of the 
utmost importance. All professors of religion, 
and all parents who have children under their 
care, should put forth their united and constant 
energies to instruct, to counsel and warn the 
young, and, if possible, by a divine blessing, to 
form their minds for virtue and religion, and to 
bring them to the saving knowledge of God 
and of Jesus Christ. The neglect of the great 
duties which parents and Christians owe to 
children, appears to be at the bottom of the 
chief of the ignorance, vice and dissipation of 
our children and youth. And while this crimi- 
nal negligence continues, we must expect a 
growing degeneracy in the rising generation. 
And their ruin must be principally charged 
upon parents and teachers, who suffer them to 
walk in the ways of their own hearts and sight 
of their own eyes, without employing their 
united endeavors to reclaim and save them. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 119 

M The want of good government and of a re- 
ligious education in families, if it continue t© 
prevail, will in process of time, ruin this coun- 
try. 

" Many things respecting the state of the 
church and people have lain with weight upon 
my mind ; such as the great neglect of parents, 
and especially of parents that are professors of 
religion, to give their children a faithful Chris- 
tian education, and my own neglect and that of 
the church, of the children which have been 
baptized. These evils, so far as I can learn, 
are too generally prevaling among churches. 

" I have often thought, that in order to have 
pure religion flourish among a people, the fol- 
lowing things are requisite ; 

" 1. That professing Christians should aim at 
perfect holiness as their standard of duty. 
Though it is not a fact that any, even the most 
holy, do, in this life, arrive at sinless perfection, 
yet that is the mark for which they are to 
strive. Thus it was with Paul, when he said, 
' Not as though I had already attained either 
were already perfect, but this one thing I do, 
forgetting those things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto those things which are be- 
fore, I press towards the mark for the prize of 
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. While 
such as call themselves Christians are content 



120 MEMOIR OF 

with small attainments in holiness, they will re- 
main low, and be mere dwarfs or babes in 
Christ. 

" 2. Another thing necessary to promote pure 
religion is for Christians to attend seriously and 
conscientiously to the religious education of 
their children, and to the religion and worship 
of God in their families. Religion will con- 
tinue to decline among Christian professors, 
while so many Christian parents resemble Eli 
of old in the education of their children, and 
instead of proper instructions, warnings, coun- 
sels and restraints, let them pass with only 
some slight reproofs, when they make them- 
selves vile ; nay, further, while they venture to 
indulge them in the vain and fashionable amuse- 
ments of the world. 

" It is a painful consideration that many pa- 
rents, who call themselves the friends of Christ, 
not only neglect to give their children a reli- 
gious education, but can send them to schools 
set up by the unbelieving part of the world, to 
acquire what are deemed by many necessary 
refinements. They, like the wicked of old, in 
the days of Job, ' send forth their little ones 
like a flock, and their children dance/ And 
this, after they have solemnly devoted them to 
God in the ordinance of baptism, and have 
: solemnly covenanted to bring them up for God. 



TtEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 12l 

Notwithstanding these solemn transactions, 
they take their children from the school of 
Christ, where they ought to be educated, and 
enter them in that school, where nothing is 
taught respecting God and Christ, heaven and 
hell, and respecting the way of life and salva- 
tion, but where they are taught only to mim- 
ick polite and refined sinners in their gestures 
and deportment. 

In vain may their parents read their Bibles 
and pray that their children may not enter into 
temptation, while they send them directly into 
the most alluring temptations, and give them 
full license to tread on Satan's ground. O ! 
my God, how is thy holy name profaned ! — the 
Saviour wounded in the house of his friends ! 
How are the good efforts of a preached gospel 
lost upon the minds of the rising generation, 
while their Christian parents train them up in 
such a loose and unbecoming manner ! 

Professing parents must become awake to 
the interests of religion, and to the pious edu- 
cation of their children, before w r e can reason- 
ably expect that religion will be greatly revived. 
They must imitate the holy example of Abra- 
ham, of Joshua, and of all good men, that as 
for them and theirs, they will serve the Lord." 

" Dec. 29, 181 1. I have lately had conver- 
sation with two infidels, one an old man above 
11 



122 MEMOIR OF 

four-score years, the other short of fifty. The 
old man appears to be fixed in his deistical be- 
lief. He pays no regard to the Bible any fur- 
ther than he imagines that it suits his principles. 
The sight is indeed moving, to see an old sin- 
ner on the brink of the grave, denying the Lord 
Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. I went on pur- 
pose to talk with him, as he had lately sent for 
me to attend the funeral of his wife ; but my 
labors appear to have been in vain, as to bene- 
fiting him. 

" The other man is much on the reserve in 
conversation, but appears at present to be on 
the side of deism. I hope in a merciful God, 
that he will yet open the eyes of both to see 
their delusion, and pluck them as brands out of 
the fire. 

" I find the same persecuting spirit operat- 
ing in the wicked, and manifested by them in 
every age. How certain it is, that where min- 
isters are in any good measure faithful, they will 
bring on themselves the bitter hatred of a 
wicked world. If they 'have called the Mas- 
ter of the house Beelzebub, how much more 
will they call those of his household ! ' But I 
pray God to give me grace to stand firm in the 
cause of the Redeemer, and that I may never 
swerve from the truth through fear of giving 
offence to men of the world." 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 123 

" Lord's day, March 17th, 1815. I preached 
upon the doctrine of the decrees. I under- 
stand that several persons are much disturbed 
with the doctrine of foreordination. One man, 
I heard, ranked me among false teachers, an- 
other called it a cursed doctrine ! How amaz- 
ing the ignorance, the blindness and prejudices 
of sinners to genuine gospel truths, and to the 
real character of God ! I view the denial of 
the doctrine of the decrees as amounting to a 
denial of God's perfections and government. 
But still none can be reconciled to the doctrine, 
till reconciled to God." 

The following entry was made in his journal 
in 1832. It shows how he regarded the mod- 
ern practice of churches in inviting candidates 
for the gospel ministry to become their pastors, 
with only slight acquaintance with them. In 
the case which occurred, the call was given by 
the church and society to the candidate after 
hearing him preach only one Sabbath, and was 
accepted by the candidate. In view of this 
case, which fell under his own observation, Mr. 
Vaill expresses himself thus : " This move is 
in my opinion far too sudden. The settlement 
of a gospel minister over a church and con- 
gregation, is a transaction far too solemn and 
important to be done in a hasty manner. And 
though a man has been settled over a church 



124 MEMOIR OF 

previously to his settlement in another place, 
yet they who invite him in the second instance 
to become their pastor, ought to prove him 
before his settlement among them, though his 
character stood fair where he labored before. 
Every church that is about to have a pastor set 
over them in the Lord, ought to know whether 
he is sound in the faith ; whether he is a man of 
experimental piety, so far as they can judge from 
acquaintance with him ; and whether he is apt 
to teach, and whether his manner of preach- 
ing and conversing with his people appears to 
be for godly edifying. The minister who is call- 
ed to a particular charge, ought also to gain 
some acquaintance with the state and ways of 
the people who have invited him to become 
their pastor. 

" The times are greatly altered as it respects 
calling and settling ministers, from what they 
were thirty or forty years ago. The churches 
have become far too lax and hasty in this sol- 
emn and weighty business, in my opinion. 
The mode of preaching is also altered. Young 
ministers who enter into the vineyard now, 
seem to aim to be popular in their manner of 
sermonizing and delivering, and to show them- 
selves off, while, in many instances, they too 
much neglect the most essential doctrines. In 
some instances, they intermingle erroneous sen- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 125 

timents in their preaching, as it respects the 

depravity of infants, and the work of regener- 

tion. 

"And in this period of frequent revivals and 

numerous sudden conversions, many ministers 
and churches are far too hasty in admitting 
young converts to their communion. Some are 
thus hastily admitted, who, before their hope- 
ful conversion, were greatly ignorant of the 
fundamental principles of the gospel, and^who 
of course remain in great ignorance, and prove 
unstable as water, while they are liable to em- 
brace every error that is afloat. 

" Another practice w T hich I regard as injuri- 
ous to the cause of religion, which has obtained 
in many places, is calling on young converts to 
take the lead in prayer at religious meetings, 
as soon as they begin to indulge hope that they 
have experienced a change by the Spirit of 
God. Should they be sincere, and prove genu- 
ine in their experience, they are as yet mere 
novices, babes in Christ, and but poorly quali- 
fied to lead in so solemn an exercise as prayer. 
And in many cases, such as appeared well for 
a season, turn out stony ground converts. In 
my opinion, for a general rule, no person ought 
to become a leader in prayer, till he is viewed 
qualified to be received into the church, or does 
actually make a public profession of religion. 
11* 



126 31 E M O I R OF 

Until this is done, he is not to be viewed as a 
visible Christian, but still belongs to the world. 
Though there may be exceptions to this gen- 
eral rule, yet I believe that such exceptions sel- 
dom occur. But it is the nature of imperfect, 
depraved men to err, and in seasons of general 
excitement in religion, to exercise zeal, which 
is not according to knowledge. 



REV. JOSEPH VAU1. 127 



CHAPTER IX. 



Extracts from his Journal continued. — His despondence. Trials 
and discouragements. Thinks of asking for a dismission. The 
Church conformed to the world. Meets with opposition as school 
visiter. Commits his cause to God. Low state of Religion. The 
ministry attended with trials. Faults of ministers and of church- 
members. Reformation desirable. Addresses the Church on their 
renewal of covenant. 



In view of great declension. " February 7th, 
1802. O ! God, in what a deplorable situation 
are we in this place. Such striking proofs of 
our want of religion, of our stupidity and awful 
indifference, sink me down, and drink up my 
spirits. I feel oft times as though I could la- 
bor no more for the salvation of this people. 
The power of God, however, can cause the 
spiritually dead to live. O ! come, Lord Jesus, 
come quickly; help my unbelief; revive my 
drooping spirits, and quicken me more abund- 
antly to my duty ! O ! come thou, Eternal 
Spirit, and breathe the breath of spiritual life 
into these lifeless souls of ours ! 



128 MEMOIR or 

" I sometimes doubt whether it is my duty 
to continue with this people, when I take a 
view of their inattention to the institutions of 
the gospel, their indifference in regard to gos- 
pel privileges, and the great embarrassments 
under which I labor in regard to my support ; 
and when I consider how many destitute places 
there are, where the people earnestly desire 
preaching; but I wish to submit the matter to 
the Judge of all the earth." 

"November 14th, 1802. lam too apt to 
judge of the state and event of things according 
to present feelings and prospects. I have had 
serious apprehensions of late that this small 
society would come to speedy dissolution. I 
know not but that it will be the case ; I believe 
we are fast ripening for some great event. 
God will visit us with his holy spirit to reform 
us, or he will leave us to confusion of face. I 
hope and pray that the former may be our hap- 
py lot. It hath appeared among the mysteri- 
ous things in Divine Providence, that my labors 
have proved so unsuccessful in this place. It 
is now above twenty years since I was settled 
here in the work of the ministry, and but a 
small number have been hopefully converted 
under my ministry. I think, amid all my im- 
perfections and short-comings, I have endeav- 
ored to set before the people all those doctrines 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 129 

and duties which I have viewed essential to 
their salvation. And from my little apparent 
success, I am led to fear at times that I am not 
called to this work, or have not been faithful 
in it. But God is infinitely wise ; he knows 
what is best to be done. I hope and pray that 
before my race is ended, I may see the sinking 
church and cause of God rising and gloriously 
flourishing. And amidst all the darkness and 
discouragement which attend this people, I still 
hope and earnestly pray that religion may be 
revived." 

"April 2d, 1803. I have felt of late over- 
whelmed with discouragements. The most 
discouraging thing is the low state of the 
church ; their want of union ; their want of 
brotherly love and charity one towards an- 
other. I am ready many times to conclude it 
my duty to leave this people on account of the 
little benefit I seem to be to them, but I would 
wait on God for direction. I hope still in the 
boundless mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, 
that he will visit us with the sanctifying influ- 
ences of the Holy Spirit. O ! Lord, direct me 
in the way of my duty ; make the path way 
of it plain before me ! Shall I leave this peo- 
ple and go into another part of thy vineyard, 
or shall I remain with them ? Oh ! for light 
and direction. I am on the point of giving 



130 MEMOIR OF 

out, and of asking for a dismission from the 
church and people of my charge, as there 
appears but small prospect of my usefulness 
among them. I am very loath to break up, or 
to do any thing which will tend to break up, this 
society. I shall be sorry to leave such as I 
hope are the friends of Christ and lovers of the 
truth. I trust God will afford me light and 
direction in the way of my duty." 

"Dec. 30th, 1803. We live in a world of 
great trial ; and among those evils which are 
suffered to take place among men, slander or 
casting out their names as evil, is one. There 
is no person, who, by his profession and prac- 
tice, sets out conscientiously in vindication of 
the religion and honor of Jesus Christ, but who 
will be greatly hated and reviled by many. 
And upon none will the reproaches of the 
wicked fall so heavily as upon ministers of the 
gospel, and especially if they labor to imitate 
their Divine Master in their preaching and 
practice. Though I fall infinitely short of my 
duty, and deserve ten thousand censures from 
my fellow men, yet I perceive that I get ten re- 
proaches for doing my duty, where I receive 
one for my neglect of it, or my short-comings 
in it." 

" March 24th, 1804. The trials of ministers 
who love the cause of religion, and who labor 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 131 

to be faithful, must be great. Whether I am 
sincere or not, I find many trials to encounter. 
And new ones, in some respects, arise from 
time to time. The stupidity of the people of 
my charge, and my little success among them 
in promoting pure religion, have been a great 
trial to me ; but the greatest discouragement 
at the present time is in the apparently low 
state of piety among the members of the 
church. There can be but little religion, 
where there is but little brotherly love and 
tenderness in the members of a church, one 
towards another. Such a spirit of division and 
bitterness, has broken out among some of the 
male members, that there appears but small 
prospect that religion can flourish among us at 
present. One male member in particular, has 
conceived such bitterness against a brother, that 
he threatens to leave us. In this he discovers 
a temper that is altogether unchristian, as he 
has never been to converse with said brother, 
and attempt a reconciliation in a gospel way. 
It is to me a great trial, but I have this conso- 
lation, that the Lord reigns, and that he can 
dispose all these events in a manner to advance 
his own glory. I pray God to be prepared for 
that world where there will be no wicked nor 
selfish inhabitants, and where I may have mine 



132 MEMOIR OF 

own heart perfectly delivered from selfishness. 
Heaven must be a most desirable place to all 
who love God and the Redeemer, and those 
who bear his moral image." 

" March 30th. I feel that late trials will do 
me much good. I think I am stirred up to 
pray more earnestly and fervently for my peo- 
ple, and I hope they will see their want of 
more religion, and be led to seek for mercy. 
I think I could pass through any hardships or 
labors which I am capable of enduring, cheer- 
fully, if I could see the people of my charge 
profiting spiritually by my ministry, and could 
find religion reviving and flourishing among 
them/' 

"Feb. 4th, 1805. Though the mode of set- 
tling and supporting ministers, adopted in Con- 
necticut, even from the beginning, is doubtless 
conducive to good government, and to the tem- 
poral prosperity of people in general, yet I 
have serious doubts whether it is the most 
beneficial to vital religion, and to the highest 
prosperity of Christ's kingdom. According to 
the observations I have made since I entered 
on the ministry, this mode of settling and main- 
taining ministers opens the door for unsound 
and graceless men to enter on the sacred work; 
as it is viewed an honorable calling, and in 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 133 

some instances, it becomes lucrative ; though, in 
general, ministers are far from being rich or in 
affluent circumstances. 

" It also gives opportunity for the men of 
this world, who contribute largely for the sup- 
port of ministers, to have an undue influence 
over them. It is to be feared that some at 
least who go into the ministry, are afraid to 
declare the whole counsel of God, lest they 
should offend their more influential, rich par- 
ishoners, who may be enemies to the doctrines 
of grace. 

" The church is also injured, as it is placed 
in a too dependent condition upon the world. 
In general, those who pay taxes for the support 
of ministers in parishes, are a great majority. 
And, though such as are not members of the 
church, do nothing directly in ecclesiastical 
matters, yet they will be liable to be offended 
both with the church and pastor, if they hold 
to doctrines contrary to their feelings, or ad- 
minister strict gospel discipline, when it affects 
any of their friends, or does not accord with 
their sentiments. 

" But what is the line of duty I ought to 
pursue in my present situation ? To leave the 
people of my charge, must throw them into a 
very broken condition. It is probable they 
will be like sheep without a shepherd ; but at 
12 



134 MEMOIR OF 

present, I feel like a shepherd without sheep. 
How much do I stand alone in attempting to 
promote religion among this people ! O ! how 
do I long for some Aaron and Hur to hold 
up my hands ; for some zealous and judicious 
friends to Christ and to souls, to aid me by 
their prayers and labors ! It seems that if that 
were the case, I should have more hope that 
God would meet with us, and grant the influ- 
ences of his Holy Spirit. Last Wednesday at- 
tended a religious conference at my own house ; 
had about twenty, pricipally women and chil- 
dren ; two male members of the church came 
before the meeting was closed. But why do 
I look to instruments and means so much? 
Though these are to be used, yet, O ! God, the 
work is thine ! To thee I look ! To thee 
would I cry day and night for the influences of 
thy grace ! " 

At another date : " I have found a new dis- 
couragement in my work of late, if it ought to 
be viewed as such. I have been for several 
years, one of the directors or visiters of the 
common schools in this place. I have endeav- 
ored to act in some measure a faithful part in 
examining such as are introduced as candidates 
for instructors, and in attending to their quali- 
fications ; and when I have gone to visit the 
schools as the law directs, I have seriously ad- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 135 

dressed the children before I left them, on the 
subject of good manners, morals and religion. 
I understand that some persons are dissatisfied 
with me, and wish me off from the board of 
visiters, pretending that it is not my place ; 
others insinuate that it is not the time to say 
any thing to the children on the subject of re- 
ligion ; others allege that I am too strict in my 
religion ; and in my instructions. Oh, what a 
lamentable state must a people be in, when pa- 
rents are unwilling to have their children taught 
the great concerns of their souls, and when 
they are neither willing to go into the kingdom 
of heaven themselves, nor to suffer their chil- 
dren to enter ! But shall I shrink back through 
fear of man 1 God forbid. While my reason, 
my health, and strength remain, I will endeav- 
or to speak for God and to instruct and warn 
the people of my charge, whether they will 
hear or whether they will forbear." 

" March 1st, 1808. I think I feel willing to 
cast all my concerns and cares upon the Lord 
and to take up with the allotments of Divine 
Providence. I wish not to aspire after any 
earthly enjoyments, w r hich may be inconsistent 
with my spiritual well being and my usefulness 
as a minister. I have for many years, as I 
think, been consulting the most solid and impor- 
tant interests of my family. I have labored to 



136 MEMOIR OF 

give my children a good education both as it 
respects civil and religious instruction, and have 
not attempted to move in a large or fashionable 
circle. Indeed but few ministers can have suf- 
ficient support from their people, to equal the 
customs of the world in their mode of living. 
Nor would I wish it. I think when a minister 
appears as eager after the high and fashionable 
things of the world, as do unbelievers, that it 
tends greatly to destroy his influence as a min- 
ister of the Gospel, and as a man of piety, upon 
the minds of his people. He may be treated 
with more respect, or receive more adulation 
perhaps from a fashionable class of unbelievers, 
but after all, to what does it amount ? To be 
a follower of Christ, who was meek and lowly 
in heart, and to convince them, by his daily 
example, that he believes what he preaches to 
others ; to have always a conscience void of of- 
fence towards God and man ; so to live and so 
to preach as to be instrumental of the conver- 
sion and salvation of many of his hearers ; are 
objects of inconceivably more importance to a 
minister of the Gospel, than a world full of sil- 
ver and gold, or than all the honors and applau- 
ses of the great ones of the earth. I am not at 
all anxious about loosing the honors or respect 
of the world, if I can only approve myself to 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 137 

God, and be instrumental of saving precious 
souls." 

" I am more and more convinced of the great 
importance, that preachers of the Gospel should 
deliver to their hearers plain truths and in a 
plain manner. I know however, that the bles- 
sing must come from God, but there are ways 
of delivery, no doubt, calculated to gain the at- 
tention. I have made but very little use of 
notes in public, since I returned from my mis- 
sion, and I think the attention is greater, though 
it is still the work of God to set the word home 
on the consciences of people." 

"March 18, 1808. The work of the minis- 
try is indeed a great and difficult work. A min- 
ister of the Gospel has to combat the pride, the 
prejudices and ignorance of many. If he preach 
the sound, distinguishing doctrines of grace, 
the carnal and selfish feelings of many of his 
hearers will be deeply wounded ; if he preach 
smooth things he w T ill wrong, nay starve the 
children of God as well as dishonor his Sa- 
viour and wound, if not destroy, his own soul. 

" When churches are sunk into a low state, 

and have gone on in a formal traditionary way, 

how difficult is it to bring about a reformation. 

The attempts of ministers to introduce a more 

strict discipline, and to be more thorough in the 

examination of candidates for admission to the 
12* 



138 MEMOIR OF 

church, constitute a work of no small difficulty* 
How soon will a minister, in such an attempt, 
be branded as an innovator, as one that is de- 
parting from the good old way of the fathers, 
or as resembling the New Lights. But why 
should any one, who acts as an ambasssador for 
Christ, fear the face of man, who " is a worm, 
or the son of man that shall die ?" 

At another date. " I fear the religion of a 
great number of professors, as well as of some 
ministers of this age, will not bear the scrutiny 
of the final Judge. As there has been no open 
persecution of professed Christians, for many 
generations, churches have degenerated, and 
sunk into a sinful conformity to the world. In 
such a time as this, when there is no great cross 
to be taken up by those who call themselves 
believers in Christ, and when to be a member 
of the Church is somewhat respectable, many, 
it is to be expected, will profess to be Chris- 
tians, who are only so in name. And when 
ministers have the aid, and patronage of civil 
rulers, some it is to be feared will go into the 
ministry for filthy lucre's sake, or that they may 
gain reputation among men ; and hence it is to 
be feared, that some in the ministry are igno- 
rant of the new birth, who have studied divin- 
ity perhaps, through the influence of worldly 
motives, and whose motives and tastes still sa- 
vor of the spirit of the world. Such will labor 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 139 

to equal and please the most polite and refined 
class of their hearers ; they will compose and 
deliver eloquent discourses, and display their in- 
genuity and ability, and set themselves off ! But 
where is the humility of such preachers ? Where 
is their meekness, their self-denial, where their 
fervent love to Christ and his cause and to pre- 
cious souls ? Where is their spiritual minded- 
ness, their Christian walk ? Alas, in these tilings, 
such preachers must be miserably deficient !" 

" April 1815. I am more and more convin- 
ced that those ministers, who are the most use- 
ful to their fellow men, in promoting their spir- 
itual interests, are they who make the least pa- 
rade and bustle about it. The Saviour was 
not disposed to make a great figure among the 
people. Those public teachers in religion, 
who make the greatest show and acquire the 
greatest popularity, have often more sound 
than substance. If I know my own heart, 
I wish to promote the spiritual interests of my 
fellow men, but it is of but small consequence, 
whether it be known till the day of judgment, to 
what degree I or any other minister has been 
useful. I have reason to fear, that I have done 
but little good since I have been in the minis- 
try. Still I hope through the blessing of God, 
I have been instrumental of awakening some 
sinners, and of promoting the edification of some 
Christians. 



140 MEMOIR OF 

" O, how important that ministers be wide 
awake in the business of their Lord and Master, 
and that they labor and preach, from time to 
time, as though it were their last day, or their 
last opportunity. W,ould ministers hope for suc- 
cess, they must not only teach their people pub- 
licly, but also from house to house. They must 
not fashion themselves according to the course 
of this world, nor cultivate a taste for a refined 
and sumptuous mode of living, which savors 
of the things, that be of men, and not the things 
that be of God. They must convince the peo- 
ple, not only by their preaching, but by their 
daily conduct, that their treasure is in heaven, 
and that it is their great desire and prayer to 
God, that the souls of their people may be sa- 
ved. 

" There is utterly a fault, to some extent, 
among ministers at the present day. Though 
they in general preach and pray well, yet they 
too much neglect private labors, and serious con- 
versation among the people. Some who enter 
the ministry, seem too anxious to support their 
dignity, in ways opposed to the spirit of the 
Gospel The way for ministers to maintain 
true dignity is to be eminently holy. Though 
fashionable people of the world, show them 
seeming respect, for their conformity to the 
maxims and customs of the world, yet, at the 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 141 

same time, such fashionable people often des- 
pise ministers in their hearts, for practicing this 
very conformity. There is no so great dignity 
attending human nature, as to treat with be- 
coming apathy and neglect the light and tri- 
fling things of the world. This the Son of God 
exemplified in its perfection, while in the flesh. 
So far as his ministers imitate his example, they 
will maintain true dignity. No matter if a 
haughty and proud world despise them and 
reproach them ; when brought to see things in 
their true light, men of the world will be con- 
vinced of their mistake and change their voice. 
" I have long felt, that it is comparatively of 
small consequence, whether ministers or private 
Christians are much carressed by the gay and 
fashionable part of society. Nay in many in- 
stances it proves a snare and a trap to be ca- 
ressed or promoted as the honorable among 
men. The remaining pride of good men needs 
no fuel to feed it. If they are faithful as ser- 
vants of Jesus Christ, it is enough. He will 
own them at the last great day. Yet, alas, how 
often does it happen, that there is something 
like strife among the ministers of the Gospel, as 
there was among the disciples of Christ, when 
they strove to see which should be the greatest. 
Like the learned among the Jews, many seem 
fond of being complimented with honorary titles 



142 MEMOIR OF 

and with the epithet of Rabbi. Lord what 
is man, feeble dying man ! What amazing weak- 
ness is discovered in imperfectly holy men, in 
this life !" 

" Dec. 1818. I have often thought upon the 
different courses which ministers and others in 
public stations, pursue, while professedly at- 
tempting to do good to their fellow men. Some 
who are placed as Pastors and Ministers, make 
a much greater figure, become more popular 
and renowned than others, who perhaps are their 
equals in talents and piety, but do not affect so 
much display and zeal, and are far from ren- 
dering themselves objects of admiration among 
the learned. But men who are possessed of the 
most brilliant and popular talents, or who make 
the greatest display, are not generally the most 
useful, or successful in their work. It was fore- 
told of Christ, that he should not strive, nor 
cry, neither should any man hear his voice in 
the streets. Yet he was fervent and constant in 
his zeal for God ; but he was far from being bois- 
terous in his manner, as is too much the case 
with some, who call themselves his ministers in 
this age. 

" It fills me with disgust when I see a preach- 
er of the Gospel laboring to bring into view his 
gifts and to set himself off to advantage in 
prayer, by using very lofty expressions, or 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 143 

throwing up his hands, stretching wide his arms, 
straining open his eyes with his face turned 
upward, or by lengthening out his prayer be- 
yond what the occasion requires ; or, when 
preaching, to use those flourishes and gestures, 
which answer no other purpose than to draw 
the attention of the audience to the man, and 
not to the subject matter which he is treating. 
Equally disgustful is it to me to see a speaker 
thump loudly on the desk with his Bible or fist. 
But why do I speak of others, or object to 
things in this manner, when 1 am so imperfect 
in myself, and but little useful to my fellow men ? 
Alas, how much pride is intermingled in my 
most sacred services ! O Lord, humble me 
and prepare me to spend the remainder of my 
days in thy more immediate service." 

"Oct. 1825. It is a melancholy considera- 
tion, that professors of religion, at the present 
day, seem, many of them at least, to be govern- 
ed by a worldly spirit. But few comparatively 
appear to maintain a humble, conscientious walk 
with God. The greater part are too much in- 
fluenced by the spirit of the world, and carried 
away by the false glare of its honors and riches. 
So long as this is the case, but little can be 
done to make them feel their obligations to 
love one another, and to keep the unity of the 
spirit in the bond of peace, and to maintain 



144 MEMOIR OF 

Gospel discipline. If this is attempted for 
breaches of the divine rule, it has become too 
common for persons in and out of the Church, . 
to take sides with the members concerned, or 
against them, which bears a striking resem- 
blance to the people of the world. 

" After attending a religious meeting, I pro- 
posed that all present, who were disposed, 
should contribute to purchase religious Tracts, 
to distribute among the school children and 
others. Two young men present made light 
of the subject, and conducted in a very unbe- 
coming manner. I hope the Lord will have 
mercy upon them, that he will open their eyes 
to see their state of sin and guilt, and bring 
them to repentance, before they plunge into 
endless torment. And that he will prevent 
them from having a corrupting influence upon 
others. The time has arrived when such prof- 
ligate characters are multiplying ; and this ap- 
pears to be the consequence of the great crimi- 
nality of parents in neglecting the pious educa- 
tion, and good government of their children. 
And in this way, by neglect of their duty, thou- 
sands are training up their children for destruc- 
tion. 

"We have a set of children and youth grow- 
ing up among us, who have, or appear to have 
no fear of God before their eyes. Most of 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 145 

them, I fear are but poorly governed and taught 
by their parents. This fills me, at times, with 
gloomy apprehensions concerning the people 
in future, but I must be faithful and leave the 
event with God." 

" Dec. 17th, 1826. I have many painful ex- 
ercises from day to day, in thinking of the de- 
plorable condition of many of my people, who 
I have reason to fear, are living in an uncon- 
verted state, and I fear this is the unhappy 
condition of some, who are members of the vis- 
ible church. Many professors of religion, at 
the present day, seem strangely to have devia- 
ted from the spirit and practice of genuine 
Christianity, as taught and practiced in the 
Apostolic age. But I hope and pray, that 
God in his infinite mercy will speedily purify 
and reform his churches, as well as those, who 
are placed over them as Pastors. Indeed ma- 
ny of the ministers and churches are in a more 
promising state than they were about half a 
century ago. 

" As revivals of religion have been multiplied 
in many places, the number of zealous and de- 
voted Christians has increased, yet many, who 
call themselves the friends of Christ, continue 
in a low and languid state. A sinful conformi- 
ty to the world, and want of holy zeal and en- 

gagedness in attending on the Institutions of 
13 



146 MEMOIR OF 

the Gospel, are fearfully prevalent with too ma- 
ny, who call Christ their Lord and Master." 

In the year 1830, the church in Hadlyme, 
renewed covenant in a public manner. This 
was done at that period, to a considerable ex- 
tent, in the churches of Connecticut, in connex- 
ion with a Conference of Churches. This oc- 
casion is noted by Mr. Vaill in his journal, and 
a summary given of his address to the church. 

" I did not preach on the occasion, but first 
made observations on the propriety of the 
transaction. I then called upon the members of 
the church to come into the aisles, they accor- 
dingly complied, and remained standing, while 
I read the articles of faith and covenant, to 
which they renewed their assent in a solemn 
manner. I then addressed them seriously up- 
on the importance of keeping up a humble walk 
with God daily, and I gave them such direc- 
tions as the following, for this purpose. 

" 1 That they should arise early from their 
beds in the morning. 

u 2. That as soon as they should find oppor- 
tunity, they should read some portion of God's 
word, and retire for secret prayer. 

" 3. That they should pay a regular and con- 
stant attendance on family worship. 

" 4. That they should endeavor to have their 
thoughts and inclinations upon divine things, as 



REV. JOSEPH V A ILL. 147 

far as should be consistent, while their hands 
are employed in their secular concerns. 

" 5. That they should close the day as they 
began it, by reading, self-examination, and 
prayer. 

u 6. That when professing Christians meet in 
friendly intercourse, they should engage in se- 
rious and profitable conversation " 



148 MEMOIK OF 



CHAPTER X. 



Extracts from his journal continued — miscellaneous. Extracts from 
a few of his letters — miscellaneous. 



"Feb. 1781. Last Lord's day, I attempted to 
preach against some sinful customs and prac- 
tices, which seem to prevail of late among our 
young people. My text was in Genesis 39 : 9. 
How can 1 do this great wickedness and sin 
against God. I understood that some disliked 
my discourse, and said that I meddled with that 
which was none of my business : but this is 
nothing uncommon. It is my business and the 
business of every minister of the Gospel, to 
bear testimony against every thing, that is con- 
trary to the Gospel. 

"Feb. 17th, 1790. It appears to me of late, 
that many persons are falling away to infidelity, 
and some who once appeared to be believers 
in revelation and to respect religion, are now 
greatly changed, and appear to have lost all 



BEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 149 

their former respect for the Gospel. But how- 
ever trying this is to every one who loves 
Christ and religion, yet this consideration gives 
me comfort, that the Lord reigneth, and that he 
will finally gather in all his elect." 

" April 6th, 1791. I have lately felt a great 
weight upon my mind in regard to the great- 
ness of my work, when I look round and find 
how much is to be done and how many diffi- 
culties attend the faithful discharge of dutv. I 
am greatly depr.^ssed, but desponding thoughts 
are sinful and reflect upon the power of Christ, 
the Supreme Head of the Church, and I would 
not allow myself to indulge them." 

" Oct. 21st, 1801. Yesterday I was present 
where a company was collected to launch a 
vessel, and heard a number of profane oaths. 
Oh, how painful to one who fears God and 
loves the souls of men, to see them exhibiting 
open evidence, by their language, that they are 
in the broad way to eternal destruction ! How 
painful the thought of living with the irreligious 
forever ! Whether I have any right principle 
at heart or not, I think I am a companion of 
them, that fear God, or that I take far more 
pleasure in their society than in that of the 
wicked." 

u March 25th, 1803. I cannot approve of the 

method in which some Christian people con- 
13* 



150 MEMOIR OF 

duct their religious meetings, in giving license 
for every body to speak and to exhort. Though 
I think it proper for Christians, who are per- 
sons of knowledge and experience, at suitable 
times to give a word of exhortation, yet to en- 
courage all to speak and exhort, and to tell 
what they think, and how they feel, and to ex- 
hibit their feelings as a rule to others, opens the 
door for the ignorant and inexperienced, who 
in such cases are commonly the most forward 
exhorters, and many of them appear to discov- 
er a spirit of pride and great self importance. 
Moreover it tends to confusion to have so many 
speaking at once or in the same meeting, and 
thus the minds of many, w T ho are unacquainted 
with 4he truths of religion, are distracted and 
darkened. Besides, the adversary is a subtle 
enemy and is ready to influence people under 
a show of religion and zeal, that is the offspring 
of pride, to harm themselves or others." 

" Nov. 23d, 1805. I was never more sensi- 
ble of the shortness of time, than I have been 
of late. There seems to be but a very small 
space betwixt one Sabbath and another. I am 
busily employed from one day to another, but 
the great thing is to be found in Christ's ser- 
vice. I find that my mind is far too much en- 
gaged in the concerns of this present life. It 
is always my desire to provide things com- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 151 

fortable for the subsistence of my family, and 
at the approach of winter, it appears necessa- 
ry to make some provision for their support. 
But why should I or any other person, who 
professes to believe in Christ, and to have a 
treasure in heaven, be anxious for the concerns 
of this mortal life ! I do not feel desirous to 
procure a large property, as I think, but only 
to make myself and family comfortable, and to 
prepare them for usefulness. But perhaps I am 
deceived, as no person ever coveted the whole 
world at once. People in general deceive them- 
selves in regard to their love of this world, but 
as they are prospered, and their substance is 
increased, their desires for wealth increase, un- 
til they become boundless as the ocean. I feel 
more concerned, when I think seriously on the 
subject as I often do, about the souls of my chil- 
dren and yet I am far from laboring as I ought 
for their salvation." 

" Dec. 9th. The state of the people in this 
place and in New England, as well as throughout 
the United States, is very alarming. And we 
have reason to conclude, that the inhabitants of 
the world are, in general, in a state of estrange- 
ment from God. Though there are, no doubt, 
many sincere Christians scattered up and down 
on the earth, yet how small the number, when 
compared with those who are living the ene- 



152 MEMOIR OF 

mies of God. The thought of one soul perish- 
ing forever, is very dreadful ! How shocking 
the thought of the endless perdition of millions 
of millions ! How should this arouse every 
preacher of the Gospel to fidelity, to labor in 
season and out of season, to spend and be spent 
in the cause of Christ ! 

" Feb. 18th, 1808. I know it is infinitely easy 
with God to awaken and convert sinners. All 
my hope is in his sovereign mercy through Je- 
sus Christ. 

" I think, however, that ministers ought to 
preach the most plain and searching truths and 
to labor, as much as in them lies, to reach the 
consciences of their hearers. I have no opin- 
ion of a general, smooth way of preaching. I 
know this will be the most popular and conge- 
nial to the feelings of the carnal heart, but it is 
infinitely dangerous to the souls of men." 

" Nov. 24th, 1809. I have been in ministerial 
labors oft within the two years and a half past : 
including my mission to the New Settlements. 
1 believe I have preached not far from six hun- 
dred times. I have had much freedom fre- 
quently in the exercises of prayer and preach- 
ing, and hope by what I can learn that I have 
been the instrument of the awakening and con- 
version of a number of souls ; but this, I am 
deeply sensible, will do nothing towards recom- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 153 

mending me to God or saving me. If I come 
short of a new heart and of an interest in Christ, 
after having preached to others, I myself must 
be a castaway ; but I hope in the infinite mercy 
of God, through the Redeemer, that he will 
make me a monument of his everlasting mercy." 

" Jan. 26th 1810. Last Wednesday, I atten- 
ded a religious meeting, and not having selec- 
ted any subject in particular, beforehand, while 
on my way I concluded I would discourse on 
the following points, viz. whether si?iners are 
ever brought to embrace the Saviour, without ex- 
periencing a painful and thorough conviction of 
their sin and guilt ; and whether any could be 
saved without conversion ? 

I spoke with uncommon freedom, and the 
people present apparently gave good attention. 

" I was lately disturbed in my mind on hear- 
ing of the appointment of a ball in the place. 
This is Satan's doing and it is odious in mine 
eyes. There is nothing, I conceive, which has a 
more direct tendency to render the minds of 
people light and to grieve the Holy Spirit than 
such amusements. I hope God by visiting us 
with the Holy Spirit, will put a stop to this and 
other unfruitful works of darkness !" 

Funeral of a drunkard; "Feb. 15th, 1812. 
Was called this week to attend a funeral, the 
circumstances of which were truly affecting to 



154 MEMOIR OF 

all serious minds. The man who died was more 
than sixty years of age. He had a wife and 
left a number of children. He had from his 
youth up been a very intemperate person. He 
was often intoxicated, and in fits of intoxication 
his life had been frequently endangered, and at 
length in one of these he died, died alone in a 
tipling shop, where he was locked in to remain 
for the night, because too much intoxicated to 
be got home. Loose companions had been drink- 
ing with him, and left him so overcome with li- 
quor, that he fell asleep in his chair. The own- 
er of the Store also left him in tiiis condition, 
and closed his store. On opening his store on 
the following morning, he found his customer 
dead. His Lord had come in a day, when he 
looked not for him and in an hour, when he was 
not aware, and cut him asunder ! The circum- 
stances which attended this man's death, and the 
frequent meetings of an intemperate club in 
that neighborhood, led me to preach at his fu- 
neral from the following solemn words of Christ, 
And take heed to yourselves, Jest at any 
time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting 
drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that 
day came upon you unawares. Luke xxii : 34. 

" I attempted to show that surfeiting and drunk- 
enness and excessive cares of this life wholly 
unfit people for their Lord's coming : and in 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 155 

the improvement made a close address to per* 
sons, who are inclined to intemperate practi- 
ces and gave them a solemn warning. 

" The discourse was approved by the serious 
and judicious, but highly censured as I under- 
stand by the intemperate and by certain peo- 
ple of the looser sort, who have little or no 
sense of the aggravated evil of this or any other 
sin in the sight of God, or of accountability to 
their Maker. 

" It was attended with no small self-denial 
for me, to do as I did on this occasion. Had I 
yielded to the fear of giving offence, I should 
not have improved this Providence in this man- 
ner ; but I listened as I thought to the call of 
God, in his word, and to conscience thus to 
warn the wicked ; and I leave the event with 
God, hoping and praying that he will render the 
occasion and the discourse of special benefit to 
some precious souls, and that he will, by the dis- 
play of his sovereign grace, pluck sinners who 
are sunk into the depths of wickedness as brands 
from the burning. And what increased the 
call for such a subject was this, almost all the 
near connections are intemperate. The evil is 
greatly increasing in our country, and multi- 
tudes of both sexes are in great danger of being 
ruined by the brutish sin of drunkenness." 

" Feb. 24th, 1830. I feel many times pain- 
ful sensations, when I take a view of the very 



156 MEMOIR OF 

deplorable condition of such as are in a Christ- 
less state. I am encouraged to hope, however, 
for the conversion of such, from the revealed 
methods of God's grace, and the omnipotence 
of his power. The following declaration by 
the Prophet Isaiah is encouraging. God speak- 
ing by the Prophet, saith, " I will bring the blind 
by a way, that they knew not : I will lead them 
in paths, that they have not known : I will make 
darkness light before them and crooked things 
strait. These things will I do unto them and 
not forsake them." — Isaiah xlii : 16. 

" God led his ancient people in this manner 
in their journeyings in the wilderness for forty 
years. And we may trace in Gods dealings 
with them, a striking resemblance, as it respects 
his sovereignty, and mysterious wisdom, to his 
bringing sinners to the saving knowledge of 
himself at this day. It is his ordinary method 
to conduct his chosen people to the New Jeru- 
salem in that course which is calculated to prove 
them, to try them, and to teach them more 
abundantly, to prize that blessed rest, which 
remains for his faithful servants." 

EXTRACTS FROM A FEW OF HIS LETTERS. 

The first is from a letter addressed to his el- 
dest son, soon after his ordination at North-Guil- 
ford, dated Hadlyme, March 28th, 1809. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 157 

** My Dear Son ; You are now settled over 
a church and congregation, as their Pastor 
and Minister. You will no doubt have trials 
and discouragements in the progress of your 
ministry, both as it respects the means of living 
and your usefulness to your people. I passed 
through similar trials and discouragements in 
the early part of my ministry at Hadlyme, and 
was sometimes ready to wish, as you seem to 
do, that I was again at liberty : but it will not 
be long before your feelings will be different. I 
wish you not to harbor a thought for a moment, 
that you shall not long continue with your peo- 
ple. Such feelings will deprive you of much 
comfort and greatly obstruct your usefulness. 

" ■ Let every man abide in his calling with 
God.' Though in most men there are strong 
desires to act in more conspicuous stations, yet 
such desires will abate, in such as are governed 
by a Christian temper and the holy truths of 
Christianity, as they advance in life and as they 
gain a more thorough knowledge of the temper, 
maxims and ways of the world. 

" The children of ministers who live in cities 
and populous towns, are often greatly injured in 
their education. Not being trained to labor 
and habits of industry, nor taught economy, as 
they might be in the country, and being expo- 
sed to temptations to extravagance in various 
14 



158 MEMOIR OF 

ways in society, they often imbibe a wrong 
spirit or get high notions or false views, which 
go to unfit them for usefulness in life. 

" Whatever trials or discouragements have 
attended my life or my family, by my settling in 
the small Society of Hadlyme, I am fully con- 
vinced that the manner in which my children 
have been trained up, has been far better cal- 
culated to prepare them for real usefulness in 
life, than if they had been educated in a cler- 
gyman's family in some populous town or city. 
The gay and fashionable circles in such places, 
in which the children of ministers will have op- 
portunity to mingle, must prove very injuric us 
to their early tastes and manners as w r ell as 
morals. 

" It may excite in a clergyman who is set- 
tled in a small country parish, some disagreea- 
ble feelings, perhaps, at times, to hear of the ce- 
lebrity of Doctor such a one, at New York, or 
Philadelphia, who has some thousands under 
his care, and fifteen hundred or two thousand 
dollars salary per annum. But who can tell 
that the poor country clergyman will not, in 
the last day, be found more faithful than the 
other, or that it will not then appear that the 
former has been instrumental of bringing more 
souls to heaven than the latter ? And if so, the 
country minister will receive the more glorious 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 159 

reward, and will shine the brightest in the king- 
dom of his Father. 

" No minister can determine where he can 
be instrumental of doing the most good, by any 
other rule than to follow the calls and leadings 
of Providence. His own opinion or that of 
friends of worth, that his abilities deserve a 
more important station, is frequently not foun- 
ded upon the most solid reasoning. It is cer- 
tainly much more honorable to deserve a high- 
er station than to be placed in one too high for a 
man's abilities. But there is something extremely 
vague and erroneous in the ideas men frequently 
entertain of high stations. It is one thing to be 
placed in what the world deems a high station, 
and another to be in that, which is really so, ac- 
cording to the word of God. John the Baptist 
was in a far higher station, when he came 
preaching in the wilderness of Judea, clad in his 
camels' hair garment, and his leathern girdle 
about his loins, living upon locusts and wild 
honey, than Herod or Caesar at the head of 
their respective governments. A minister set- 
tled in the smallest village in New England is, 
in a Scriptural sense, as really in a high station, 
as one settled in the City of London. As the 
form 3r, if he be a man of true piety and fidelity, 
is as really a Messenger of the Lord of Hosts, 
and an ambassador of Christ, as the latter. The 



160 



MEMOIR OF 



difference is, the London minister lives in the 
midst of a more wealthy, honorable and great 
people, and, in the view of the world, is in a far 
more eligible situation. But the obscure coun- 
try clergyman may far outshine the London 
minister in the day when God shall make up 
his jewels. As this life is but a small space of 
our existence, our chief happiness must consist 
in making provision for our eternal well-being. 
I hope God may bless, guide and direct you, 
and prepare you to do and suffer his will faith- 
fully unto death, that you may share in the re- 
wards of grace and glory, in the world to come ! 

"From your father, who always sincerely 
wishes and prays for your spiritual prosperity. 

Joseph Vaill." 

The following extracts are from letters to his 
youngest son. 

The first is from a letter, dated Jan. 30th, 
1812, addressed to this son, soon after leaving 
College. " I conclude, My Dear Son, you still 
continue to look forward to the work of the 
ministry. It certainly is a most important and 
blessed work. But such are the difficulties, so 
great the trials that attend it, surely ministers 
ought not only to be men of grace, but to be 
eminently pious. They should not only be hum- 
ble but should be clothed with humility. Not only 
is it important that they be well studied in the 



REV. J08EPH VAILL. 161 

theory of divinity, but that they also possess a 
thorough experimental knowledge of vital god- 
liness. How melancholy the condition of a 
preacher, who shall undertake to guide others 
to heaven, while he himself is wholly unacquain- 
ted with the road ! No one who is preparing 
to enter the sacred work can be too well ac- 
quainted with his own heart or with the sacred 
scriptures. No one can read and study them 
too much, nor be too frequently, nor fervently 
engaged in the duty of prayer ; nor ' keep too 
great a distance from the temptations, snares 
and pollutions of the world.' " 

To the same son at a later date and after 
his settlement in the ministry, he writes : " My 
Son, be awake in the cause of your divine 
Master, be spiritually-minded, be sober, be vigi- 
lant, be fervent in prayer. Lay aside all levity, 
it is worse than chaff. Visit your people as 
much and as generally as lies in your power, but 
avoid making and returning fashionable formal 
tea visits. They are hurtful things to religion." 

At another date, to the same. " Your letter 

was received. We always rejoice to hear of 

the welfare of our children, but are much more 

pleased when we have reason to hope, that they 

are enjoying prosperity of soul. Nothing can 

afford Christian parents greater joy, than to 

hear that their children are walking in the truth, 
14* 



162 MEMOIR OP 

that they are improving their time, their health, 
their strength and all their powers in building 
up the Redeemer's kingdom, and in ripening for 
glory. To pursue a course like this, persons 
must be singular and pass through much self- 
denial. When it has become customary for 
multitudes of professors and no small portion of 
such as belong to the sacred office, to be liber- 
al in their religious sentiments and sinfully con- 
form to the maxims of the wicked and refined 
world, the pure doctrines and precepts of Je- 
sus Christ, cannot be maintained without great 
Christian fortitude, tempered with humility and 
patience, and accompanied with a lively faith 
in the Redeemer and in things unseen and eter- 
nal." 

Under another date, writing to this son and 
his companion, after giving some details of a 
work of grace among the people of his charge, 
he says ; " What God designs further, for us, 
we know not, but how ought we to bless his 
holy name and to adore his sovereign grace for 
what he hath already done. I hope he has ma- 
ny more souls yet to call in Hadlyme. And 
now my dear children, let me entreat you to 
walk circumspectly, be alive in religion, keep 
near the mercy seat, watch and pray that ye 
enter not into temptation. The times are sift- 
ing. God is about to purge his church. Hap- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 163 

py is the man, that endureth the fiery trial and 
who will come forth as gold ! 

" O, my son, be alive in your work. It is a 
great and glorious cause, but you must live 
near to God, you must be sincerely and importu- 
nately prayerful, you must not only teach your 
people publicly, but from house to house and 
not by word only but by a humble and pious 
example." 

Under another date to the same he writes : 
" I hope and pray that you, my dear children, 
will each of you live near to God. It is your 
lot to live in perilous times, but still if you are the 
sincere followers of Christ, you have a goodly 
heritage. It will matter but little whether we 
pass through this evil world in a peaceful calm, 
or in a terrible tempest, if we at last reach the 
blessed haven of eternal rest. Indeed, though 
the billows rage and are tempestuous, we may 
still have peace within, if we enjoy that blessed 
hope, which is an anchor to the soul sure and 
stedfast. The only way to enjoy this hope is 
to commit the keeping of our souls, daily, to 
Christ, as unto a faithful Creator. The flight 
of time is most rapid. We are all flying, as 
swift as the darting of the sunbeam, towards 
a boundless eternity. I have long conceived 
that there is but a step between me and death." 
[He lived twenty three years after writing this.] 



164 MEMOIR OF 

" O, how solemn, how interesting, beyond ex- 
pression, is the change ! I wish to make it my 
chief concern to be prepared to come to the 
grave in peace, and I hope this will be the 
great concern of each of you. It is probable I 
shall be called before you, but you are pressing 
after, and there will be no perceptible differ- 
ence between the length of my eternity and 
yours." 

Under another date, eighteen years previous 
to his death, he writes in a letter to this son, at 
Brimfield, Mass. 

" I am sensible my time is short. My con- 
tinued and increasing infirmities, denote that 
6 the house of my tabernacle will soon be dis- 
solved.' It will be nothing strange, if I should 
not live through the winter. But my times are 
in God's hands. I have long found nothing 
wort hliving for but to serve and glorify God, 
and to promote the best good of my fellow men. 
Oh, how greatly do I desire to see religion again 
revived among the people of my charge, before 
I go hence to be here no more." 

No man, perhaps, lived in nearer view of 
death, than Mr. Vaill. It was the frequent 
subject of his conversation. On visiting his 
children in Massachusetts, which he generally 
did once in each year, it seemed always to rest 
upon his mind at each visit, for the course of 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 165 

fifteen or twenty years, that it might be the 
last. This he uniformly mentioned on taking 
his leave, and always delivered an exhortation 
appropriate to the last visit. Thus his children 
who had gone out from the paternal dwelling, 
were favored annually with receiving his dying 
counsel. He could not have been more solemn 
and earnest, (says one of them) had he actually 
known it was the last time. He always pro- 
posed, on separating, to unite with them in 
prayer, with special reference to the occasion, 
even although it were but a short time following 
the usual devotions of the family. In these 
prayers he was expected to lead. He was al- 
ways happy, and often exceedingly impressive 
and solemn on these occasions. Never did his 
children take leave of him without feeling that 
they were blessed with an eminently godly fa- 
ther, who greatly cared for and loved their 
souls. 

In one of his last letters to his son in B. writ- 
ten about a year before his death, then in his 
87th year, he says, 

"I hope and pray that your return to B. 
will be followed with most happy consequen- 
ces to you and your family, and the people of 
your former charge." [His son had been cal- 
led from Brimfield, to the Pastoral charge of a 
Church in Portland, in the state of Maine, and 



106 MEMOIR OF 

now was invited back by the people of his for- 
mer charge to B.] " I trust, however, you will 
seriously bear in mind, that the remainder of 
your life will be short, should you arrive to the 
ordinary age of man. You will therefore view 
it of vast importance to strive to be eminently 
useful to the people of B., the little time God 
shall continue you. It is not probable that I 
shall survive another winter, but I desire to 
leave the event with God. I trust my children 
will daily remember their aged father in their 
prayers, who, from their first existence, has dai- 
ly attempted to bear them on his heart at the 
throne of grace." 

What a blessing to have such a parent ! In 
how many thousands of prayers have the chil- 
dren of this man of God been remembered ! 
And in what riches of divine grace, is it to be 
hoped they have shared, and will continue to 
share, in answer to his fervent supplications 
long after he slumbers in the grave ! 



RET. JOSEPH VAILL. 167 



CHAPTER XI. 



His missionary spirit. His missions. Observance of the monthly con- 
cert of prayer. Attachment to the cause of missions. Gives up his 
eldest son to be a missionary. Dismission of this son from the people 
of his charge. Parting address to his son and his family. 



Through the whole period of his ministry, Mr. 
Vaill seemed to feel his obligations to labor for 
the spiritual good of his fellow men, whenever 
opportunity was afforded him. Though the 
people of his own charge constituted the ordi- 
nary field of his labors, yet the world was the 
field, which was embraced in his prayers and 
in the benevolent affections of his heart. He 
felt compassion in view of the perishing condi- 
tion of his fellow men, as he looked upon the 
dark portions of the earth, and contemplated the 
state of millions without the knowledge of 
Christ, and the way of salvation by him. He 
held himself ready to preach to the destitute, 
so far as he could do it, and not neglect his own 



168 MEMOIR OP 

people, and when on journeys to visit his friends, 
he evinced the spirit of a missionary in his rea- 
diness to converse with persons of his acquaint- 
ance and with strangers on the things of their 
salvation, and also in his readiness to preach, 
wherever he spent a night, provided a public 
meeting were to be holden. He was known 
and received as a minister of Christ, wherever 
he went, and on whatever occasion he was cal- 
led to go abroad from his people. 

The ministerial brethren, with whom he was 
associated, early discovered his missionary spirit 
long before any organized attempts were made 
to send the Gospel to the destitute new settle- 
ments of our own country, by the Churches of 
New England. As early as 1792, a missionary 
spirit began to show itself in Middlesex Associa- 
tion, to which Mr. Vaill belonged, in some special 
efforts in behalf of the new settlements in the 
State of Vermont. A temporary mission was 
projected to Vermont by the ministers of Mid- 
dlesex Association, to be sustained by them- 
selves, and Mr. Vaill was selected to go on this 
mission. He consented, and went into Vermont, 
and spent six weeks, laboring in destitute pla- 
ces in that State. His pulpit was supplied by 
the brethren of the Association in his absence. 
The success of this mission encourged the min- 
isterial brethren of Middlesex Association, and 



HEV. JOSEPH VAILL. 169 

awakened a spirit of inquiry in other Associa- 
tions, on the subject of missions to our settle- 
ments. In June, 1799, the General Association 
of Connecticut, at their meeting in Hebron, or- 
ganized the Missionary Society of Connecticut, 
and appointed a board of Trustees to manage 
its operations and conduct its missions. This was 
soon followed by the formation of other Socie- 
ties, of like character, in different States. In 
the language of Mr. Vaill : " Through the bles- 
sing of God, incalculable good has been effec- 
ted by their salutary influence, a great check 
was given to the progress of vice and error, 
and the way prepared, in the then infant settle- 
ments, for the conversion of souls, the forma- 
tion of churches, the better observance of the 
Sabbath, and the settlement of ministers. The 
labors of missionaries were followed with a 
number of powerful revivals of religion." 

In the year 1807, the Trustees of the Mis- 
sionary Society of Connecticut, appointed and 
commissioned Mr. Vaill, to perform a mission 
into the State of New York, to what was then 
called the Black River country. He was on 
this mission, absent from his people, fifteen Sab- 
baths. In the report, which he presented to 
the Trustees of his labors, they were furnished 
with gratifying evidence that he was well re- 
ceived, and that the mission had been attended 
15 



170 MEMOIR OF 

with good. Mr. Vaill also threw out several 
suggestions in his report, useful to the Trustees 
in directing their operations in regard to sub- 
sequent missions. 

After the monthly concert for prayer was 
introduced, it was early observed by Mr. Vaill, 
and perseveringly maintained by him u\ his 
church. It was an object with him to render 
this concert as interesting and beneficial as pos- 
sible to his people. In this meeting he impar- 
ted missionary intelligence, brought up to view 
the state and claims of the heathen, urged the 
obligations of Christians to send them the Gos- 
pel, to pay for them, and to contribute, from 
time to time, for the support of Christian Mis- 
sions : and, by his own example, and that of his 
family, encouraged them in freely bestowing 
their charities for the promotion of the kingdom 
of Christ. He mourned in view of the back- 
wardness of churches, and of individual mem- 
bers, to give freely of their substance for this 
object. 

In his journal, under date of June 23d, 1823, 
when opportunity had been given his people, 
and the churches around, to hear the claims of 
the heathen set before them, and some mem- 
bers seemed unwilling to do any thing to aid in 
sending them the Gospel, and when only small 
contributions were taken, Mr. Vaill made the 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 171 

following entry ; " Covetousness is one of the 
most alarming sins of the present age, and it is 
fearfully predominant over the minds of many, 
who call themselves the friends and disciples of 
Christ. It is a melancholy thought, that many 
in the Church of Christ seem to be prejudiced 
against contributions for the Missionary cause" 
Mr. Vaill regarded himself, and all that were 
entrusted to his care, as the Lord's, and in the 
government and education of his children, he 
sought to fit them for usefulness in the cause of 
Christ, and expected them to be employed, just 
as God in his providence should direct. The 
reader has already seen that his two sons had 
been called to take the pastoral oversight of 
churches. As the missionary cause advanced 
in this country, and a missionary spirit extended 
in the churches, and among the pastors, the 
mind of Mr. VailFs eldest son, Rev. William F. 
Vaill, pastor of the church in North Guilford, 
became deeply interested in the condition of 
the heathen. He was led solemnly to inquire, 
whether it were not his duty to relinquish his 
pastoral charge and go to the heathen. The 
Sandwich Islands opened before his mind, at 
first, as the most inviting field for usefulness, 
and his attention was turned towards them for 
a season. But, about that period, a mission was 
projected to the American Indians, west of the 



172 MEMOIR OP 

Mississippi, and the Osage nation was selected, 
as affording the most favorable prospect for a 
successful mission. A call for missionaries from 
the United Foreign Mission Society, the seat of 
whose operations was in the city of New York, 
was sent to New England. The object was to 
collect a missionary family to go to the far dis- 
tant Osages, and attempt to civilize and Chris- 
tianize them. While the Rev. William F. VailPs 
mind was canvassing the subject of his duty to 
become a missionary, this call came to him, 
this new field opened to his view, and he was 
at length decided, with his companion, that it 
was a call from God, and they united in com- 
plying with it. They had a young and rising 
family ; the perils of a long journey, and of a dis- 
tant wilderness, as the home of their future 
residence, in the midst of rude savages, were 
before them. An affectionate people they were 
to leave behind them, who were sorry to part 
with them; and they were to be separated 
from their aged parents, and numerous rela- 
tives and friends. The undertaking seemed to 
many of their friends to be visionary and rash, 
and some endeavored to dissuade them from it ; 
but not so the subject of this memoir. This 
aged Father loved his children and his grand- 
children ; but he loved the cause of Christ more, 
and was ready to give up his children to labor 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 173 

in this cause, where they were most needed. 
He chose that this son and his companion should 
be governed by their own views of duty, and 
he cheerfully consented that he and his family 
should embark in the proposed mission. 

The following extract is from the minutes of 
the Consociation, convened at North Guilford, on 
the 12th of April, 1820, to dissolve the pastoral 
relation of Rev. William F. Vaill to his church 
and people, that he might enter on this mission. 
This will show the feelings of his brethren to- 
wards him and the mission. 

" The Consociation, taking into consideration 
the solemn duty imposed by Christ upon his 
ministers and the Church, by his binding com- 
mand, Preach the Gospel to every creature ; their 
immense obligations to the heathen, who in 
divine Providence are destitute of the means 
of grace ; and the particular obligations of the 
American Church to the aboriginees of this 
country ; and regarding the dispensations of 
Providence in opening a way for our beloved 
brother, William F. Vaill, to carry the Gospel 
to the savages of our wilderness ; and especially 
the influences of the Spirit of God on the minds 
of him and his partner to engage in this work, 
and his peculiar qualifications, in our view, for 
the missionary service, as clear indications of 

the will of Christ; though the Consociation feel 
15* 



174 MEMOIR OF 

a tender regard for the interests of this church 
and are well convinced of the usefulness of 
Mr. Vaill's ministry among them, yet, from the 
foregoing considerations, they esteem it their 
duty to dissolve the pastoral relation between 
them. From the noble sacrifice which the 
church and people of this parish, have made 
in agreeing to part with their beloved minister, 
and from their present peace, the Consociation 
are cheered with the confidence, that the great 
Head of the Church will not be unmindful of 
their prosperity, and, that while he removes 
their present past or to a more extensive field of 
usefulness, that he will supply his place with one 
who will break unto them the bread of life, and 
lead them and their children to the fountain of 
living waters. Therefore, voted unanimously, 
that the ministerial connection between the 
Rev. William F. Vaill, and the Church and peo- 
ple in North Guilford, be dissolved ; and the 
connection is hereby dissolved. 

" This Consociation, also, as the result of a 
long and intimate acquaitance with Rev. Will- 
iam F. Vaill, do unanimously express their ap- 
probation of his character and conduct as a 
minister of Christ, and of his faithfulness and 
zeal in the cause of his divine Master ; and they 
cheerfully recommend him, as a tried and ap- 
proved servant of Jesus, to the Christian kind- 



HEV. JOSEPH VAILL, 175 

ness and fellowship of the churches, and of all 
who wish for the spread of the Gospel of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. David Smith, Scribe." 

Mr. Vaill, with his family, in expectation of 
soon leaving his people and friends for the Wes- 
tern wilderness, paid a visit to Hadlyme, his 
native place in the month of April, 1820. It 
was an occasion of solemn interest to him and 
his friends. His honored father entered with 
him, in feeling, upon his mission, and commend- 
ed him and his family to the merciful protection 
of the Great Head of the Church and on the 
Sabbath, it being the last time, that he expected 
his son and his family would worship with the 
church and people in that place, he delivered a 
public address on the occasion before the con- 
gregation in Hadlyme, the substance of which 
is here inserted, being extracted from the Mis- 
sionary Register. 

" It having pleased God, in his Providence, to 
prepare the way for my son to engage as a 
missionary to the heathen, in a far distant re- 
gion, where he will probably spei. 1 the residue 
of his years ; I think it my duty to express my 
feelings upon the subject, and to make my par- 
ting address to him and his companion, at this 
time, in the audience of the people of my charge, 
and of those who have been their associates in 



176 MEMOIR OF 

early life." [They were both born and educa- 
ted in Hadlyme.] 

" The operations of God's hand, at this present 
period of time, are truly marvellous in our eyes. 
We enjoy the peculiar pleasure of beholding 
the dawning of the latter day glory. Its morn- 
ing star has, sometime since, appeared in the 
East ; and we have lately seen its benign rays 
beaming upon our Western hemisphere. Great 
exertions are now making, throughout the 
Christian world, to diffuse the light of the Gos- 
pel among the benighted pagans, who have long 
been in darkness and the shadow of death." 

" Although I have myself, for seven years, 
felt deeply interested in the missionary cause, 
yet it is but a few weeks since, that I ever ex- 
pected a son to be designated as a messenger 
of salvation to the Heathen, in the remote parts 
of this continent ; or, that he and his family 
should be called to bid a final adieu to the peo- 
ple of his charge, and, to all their near connex- 
ions, and, in all probability, not to meet again, 
until the heavens are no more. 

" But how strong soever may be the ties of 
parental affection, so far as I am capable of 
judging, it appears to be his duty to accept of 
the appointment of the venerable board, who 
superintend this weighty business. I therefore 
cheerfully relinquish all attempts, and all right, 



REV, JOSEPH VAILL. 177 

to prevent him from entering upon the ardu- 
ous enterprise, to which I trust the Lord is cal- ' 
ling him." 

" It is a sentiment in which I have long been 
established, and which I have frequently incul- 
cated in my public and private teaching, that 
the requisition of the Saviour, that people must 
forsake all they have for him, as a term of dis- 
cipleship, is to be understood in its most literal 
sense, when his cause demands it. Of course, 
the same requirement confers the highest obli- 
gation upon all who would be his followers, to 
make a willing sacrifice of their ease, their 
worldly interest, and their pleasing accommo- 
dations, so far as the honor and prosperity of 
his kingdom are concerned. And he reasonably 
expects, that all who love him in sincerity, and 
who ardently desire the salvation of their fellow 
men, will like Moses, choose rather to suffer af- 
fliction with the people of God than to enjoy the 
pleasures of sin, or of this world for a season. 
From the above mentioned considerations, I do 
now cordially acquiesce in this new and trying 
dispensation of divine Providence, and am wil- 
ling that you, my son, should go forth as a mis- 
sionary of the cross, into those regions of dark- 
ness, and of the shadow of death, where nu- 
merous, benighted souls reside, who have nev- 
er heard that there is a Saviour, or any Holy 



178 MEMOIR OF 

Ghost, or a way devised by infinite wisdom to 
restore lost sinners to the divine favor, or raise 
them to the high dignity of the sons of God 
here, and to prepare them for endless blessed- 
ness hereafter. 

" As the circumstances, which attend the 
mission, require a speedy departure from your 
near friends, confer not with flesh and blood, nor 
desire the privilege of tarrying ; till you may 
first bury your aged parents. But go thou and 
preach the kingdom of God to the perishing 
heathen, as soon as the way shall be prepared 
for them to hear the glad tidings of salvation. 

" Although the term for your preparation for 
this interesting work is short, I hope that you 
and your companion have, in some good meas- 
ure, counted the cost ; and that each of you 
have anticipated the painful sensations, which 
will naturally be excited in your breasts, on ta- 
king your final leave of your parents, your 
brethren and sisters, and the agreeable circle of 
your endeared acquaintance. I trust you have 
also brought into view the hardships and per- 
ils, to which you and your little ones will be 
exposed, on your long and hazardous journey. 

" Though many unforseen difficulties and 
privations may attend the commencement of 
your establishment amongst an untutored and 
savage people, in a lonely desert, and who 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 179 

speak a language which you understand not ; 
yet let none of these things move you. And, for 
your encouragement and support, keep in view 
the hardships, the privations, the perils and 
trbulations, which the great Apostle of the Gen- 
tiles endured, that he might bring the pagan 
nations to the knowledge of salvation. 

" Would you my dear children, prove suc- 
cessful in your warfare, ' you must take to your- 
selves the whole armor of God.' You must go 
in the strength of the Lord of hosts, and in the 
name of your God set up your banner, and erect 
the standard of the cross where Satan's seat has 
so long been established. 

" Be sober, be vigilant. Daily draw near the 
throne of grace, by fervent prayer. Carry 
your children every day to the Saviour for his 
blessing. Labor faithfully to train them up for 
God. Strive constantly, by your counsels, your 
pious examples and prayers, to promote broth- 
erly love, peace and harmony among your 
mission family. 

" With fidelity to your Lord and Master, 
discharge your duty to the ignorant natives. 
Spare no pains to instruct them in the way to 
heaven. Should your success, for a long time, 
remain dubious, be not disheartened. Be not 
weary in well-doing, for, in due season, you shall 
reap if you faint not 



180 MEMOIR OF 

" No matter, my dear children, whether you 
are laid in the sepulchre with your fathers, or, 
whether your dust be deposited twenty eight 
hundred miles from the land of your nativity. 
If you die in the Lord, it will be as glorious to 
meet your descending Redeemer, when the 
voice of the arch-angel, and the trump of God 
shall awake you from the sleep of death, in the 
Arkansas country, as to arise surrounded by 
your former Christian connections. 

" I now commend each of you, and your dear 
children, to God, and to the power of his grace, 
praying that he may protect and prosper you r 
and all that shall accompany you on this be- 
nevolent design. May the Great Head of the 
Church, hold you in the arms of his love, and 
comfort your hearts with the consolations of 
his Holy Spirit, under all your trials. May he 
improve you as the honored instruments of 
gathering in a large harvest of souls to Christ, 
and, through the riches of his grace, of prepar- 
ing them to join in the new song of redeeming 
love, which is sung by the hundred and forty, 
and four thousand, who have been redeemed from 
the earth. And should we never again see each 
other's faces on this side of the grave, may we 
have a happy meeting at Christ's right hand, 
in the day when he shall make up his jewels. 
Amen. Farewell." 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 181 



CHAPTER XII. 



His spirit as a revival preacher. His want of apparent success no proof 
of his unfaithfulness. If tried by the rule of some modern preach- 
ers, he would be found deficient in piety. Erroneous extremes in 
regard to revivals. Revivals under his ministry. His interest in 
them. Good fruits. Thankfulness for them. Readiness to promote 
them. 



" Is he a revival preacher," is an inquiry which 
is often made at the present day, when the 
character of a minister is sought to be known. 
That Mr. Vaill was deeply imbued with a re- 
vival spirit no one can doubt, who has read the 
preceding extracts from his journal, or who 
was acquainted with him personally in his min- 
istry. He loved revivals, and carried, in his 
own experience, evidence of their reality and 
of the spirit that pervades them. He prayed 
for them from early life, he preached with a 
view to promote them, he employed conver- 
sation, religious conference and parochial la- 
bors in various forms, to secure the increase of 
la 



182 MEMOIR OF 

pure religion among his people. He was also 
interested in revivals abroad in other churches, 
and was ready to go and labor with his brethren 
in places where God was pouring out his Spir- 
it. Still, if Mr. Vaill were to be estimated, as 
some are ready to estimate ministers, in view 
of their w r ant of apparent success, he would 
be set aside as no revival preacher. It is not 
unfrequently the case, at the present day, 
that the immediate effects of preaching, in the 
awakening of sinners and in their hopeful con- 
version, are made the criterion of a minister's 
spirit and qualifications. It seems to be taken 
for granted that the labors of ministers are all 
to be directed to the promotion of revivals of 
religion ; as if this class of visible results were 
all that are to be sought in the preaching of 
the gospel. But is not this a limited and par- 
tial view of the labors of the Christian minis- 
try ? Are not other things to be sought by the 
labors of ministers, in addition to revivals? 
Are there not remote effects, as well as imme- 
diate effects of public preaching ? Is not every 
Evangelical preacher sowing the seed of the 
word of God in the spiritual field ? Who can 
say how soon it shall spring up, or that he 
who soweth shall live to reap the harvest? 
What minister can say, who is witnessing a re- 
vival of religion among his people, that he is 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 183 

not reaping the fruit of other men's labors ? 
Or what minister, in time of a revival, can point 
to the visible effects, and say, these are evi- 
dences that I am a faithful and approved ser- 
vant of Christ ? Does God require ministers 
to estimate their fidelity by visible results, or 
by their cheerful obedience to his will ? The 
results are known only in part ; and, so far as 
known, are seen only in their outward appear- 
ance, and therefore are very uncertain, as evi- 
dences of success or of ministerial fidelity. 

There are two extremes to be avoided, in 
our estimate of revivals of religion, and in our 
labors to promote them. The one extreme 
goes to rob God of the glory of his sovereignty 
and of his power, in relation to them, by con- 
ferring undue honor upon man in producing 
them. The other extreme goes to quiet man 
in spiritual sloth and inactivity, through per- 
verted views of his obligations of duty to God, 
as a moral and accountable creature. Man's 
dependence affords no release from obligation, 
and no real excuse for sloth. He is bound to 
perform the whole revealed will of God, and, 
so far as a revival of religion is dependent on 
means, he is bound to employ the known means 
diligently and faithfully, as directed of God, 
leaving to his wise disposal the results. 

When it is assumed that a pastor may have 



184 MEMOIR OF 

a revival of religion at any time when he 
chooses, or that his faithfulness is to be esti- 
mated by his success in producing revivals, un- 
warrantable ground is taken ; and from such 
premises wrong conclusions will be very liable 
to be drawn. It is apprehended that injury 
has resulted to the cause of revivals from this 
source. Is it not a fact, that some preachers 
who stand before the public as revival preach- 
ers, have been too unguarded and unqualified 
in their language, in respect to revivals of 
religion, and their power to produce them? 
Have not young men fallen into mistake on this 
point, in many instances ? Some young preach- 
ers have gone so far as to limit the time which 
they would consent to tarry with a people, 
unless they could produce a revival ! The 
space with some is, perhaps, two years, with 
others, perhaps, not so long ; with others, it 
may be longer. They seem to act on the 
principle that a revival preacher may have a 
revival whenever he chooses, and hence, they 
manifest unwillingness to tarry with a people, 
unless they can see a revival. The revival is 
also regarded as evidence that they are true 
ministers of Christ. This leads to frequent 
dismissions and changes in the pastoral office. 
For if ministers are to be estimated by this 
rule, they must be set down as wanting in 



REV. JOSEPH VAIIL, 185 

piety or ministerial gifts, provided they are not 
blest speedily with revivals ; and few will con- 
sent to remain and labor with a people under 
this imputation. Had Mr. Vaill or any of his 
cotemporaries acted on this principle, they 
would not have continued with their people 
through a term of years, laboring and praying 
for revivals, yet not witnessing them. The 
principle mistakes the character of true revi- 
vals, as being the work of the Spirit of God, 
or else it mistakes the character of human 
agency in producing them ; and, it is possible, 
it has had an influence in corrupting some mod- 
ern revivals, in which, perhaps, some of the 
doctrinal purity and enlightened and lasting 
piety of former revivals is wanting. A pastor 
who feels that he has power to command the 
rain of the Spirit upon his people, cannot have 
had long experience in the ministry. God 
gives his Spirit when he pleases to revive his 
work. His holy sovereignty is displayed in 
revivals of religion, as really as in other parts 
of his dispensations. And it is not for pastors 
to know the times or the seasons which the Father 
hath put in his own power. It is presumption in 
a pastor to claim that he has power to produce 
a revival of religion. Said Paul, / have plant- 
ed, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 

So then, neither is he that planteth any thing, 
16* 



186 MEMOIR OF 

neither he that watereth : but God, that giveth 
the increase. 

The early part of Mr. Vaill's ministry was 
very far from being distinguished for visible 
success. He labored under great discourage- 
ments for more than twenty years. At times, 
he was ready to give up in despondence, and 
to conclude that he was not called of God to 
the work of the holy ministry. Still, he was 
not permitted to break away from his people, 
but was encouraged to hope in the power and 
grace of God to bestow the blessing in his own 
time. It would be great injustice to the memo- 
ry of Mr. Vaill, to call in question his fidelity, 
during the first twenty years of his ministry, 
because of his want of apparent success. He 
was, during all that period, laboring and pray- 
ing and hoping for the revival of pure religion 
among his people. He observed days of pri- 
vate fasting for this end ; he called upon his 
church to observe days of fasting and prayer, 
in view of their low state ; and, very often in 
his journal, does he refer to his want of success, 
and express his ardent longing for the revival 
of religion. The following is extracted as a 
sample of his spirit and feelings. " The state 
of the people in this place, as to religion, is still 
discouraging. I have hoped, and still hope, 
that God will visit us with the influences of his 



REV. J09BPH VAILL. 187 

Holy Spirit, and revive his work gloriously 
among us ; but there are no present signs of 
such a time." * 

In 1806, there was a solitary case of hope- 
ful conversion in his parish ; and the following 
entry was made in his journal. " June 20th. 
A late instance of the hopeful conversion of a 
promising young woman in this place, has put 
new courage and animation into my mind. O ! 
God, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, 
wilt thou not pour it out upon us, in his awak- 
ening and converting influences ! " 

" June 30th, 1806. I hope still in the pow- 
er and grace of God to revive his work among 
us. This is, I think, all my encouragement, 
that God is able to awaken and convert such 
as are dead in trespasses and sins. I am often 
tried, when I reflect that I have spent so much 
of my life among this people with so little ap- 
parent success ; but my lot has been cast in 
this part of the vineyard, nor dare I quit my 
post, until a wider door be opened, and the call 
of Providence appear as clear for my dismis- 
sion as it was for my settlement." 

There is much that is instructive to minis- 
ters at this day in the dealings of God with 
Mr. Vaill. God taught him his dependence, 
and his own insufficiency to produce a revival. 
He was not allowed to regard a revival as 



188 llEMOIR OF 

man's work, nor to call that a revival of reli- 
gion which was brought about by man's de- 
vice. His hope, amid all his labors and dis- 
couragements, was in the power and grace of 
God ; and God did not suffer him to go down 
to the grave, without seeing glorious manifes- 
tations, both of his power and grace, among 
the people of his charge. 

In his half century sermon, preached Feb. 
9th, 1830, he says : " I cannot learn that, pre- 
vious to my settlement, there had ever been a 
revival of religion in this society, since its for- 
mation, which was then nearly forty years. 
Nor had the church in this place been accus- 
tomed to attend religious conferences. I in- 
troduced them the summer after I was settled, 
and a considerable number attended ; but our 
meetings were dull and formal. The winter 
succeeding I set up catechetical lectures in the 
evening, designed principally for young people. 
A goodly number attended, but these meetings 
met with considerable opposition. I have con- 
tinued evening meetings and lectures, more or 
less, in the proper season of the year, for near- 
ly the whole term of my ministry. No special 
revival took place among us for more than 
twenty years. Between 1780 and 1800, there 
were a few cases of hopeful conversion, and a 
small number were added to the church." 






REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 189 

" In the autumn of 1807, there were two 
cases of hopeful conversion, and in the spring 
and summer next succeeding, a greater revival 
took place than we had ever before witnessed. 
In the course of about a year and a half, six- 
teen persons were added to the church, as the 
fruit of this revival." 

" In the summer of 1813, a more powerful 
and general work of the Spirit took place. Forty 
or more were entered on the list of hopeful 
converts, though short of thirty came forward 
and made a public profession of religion. The 
work continued for about two years, when 
some unhappy things took place, which gave 
it a speedy check. A general coldness and 
stupidity ensued and continued nearly up to 
1827, when another general revival took place, 
and lasted, without much abatement, for about 
eleven months ; as the fruit of which, fifty- 
six persons were admitted to the church." 

Mr. Vaill lived to witness still further dis- 
plays of the power and grace of God among 
his people. The spring of 1830 was marked 
w T ith some special interest in the things of their 
salvation, and several became hopeful converts. 
The same was the case in 1834, and from fif- 
teen to twenty were added to the church in 
that year. The fruits of these revivals under 
his ministry proved good. His church was 



190 MEMOIR OF 

greatly enlarged and improved in its character. 
The intelligence, influence and weight of char- 
acter in the congregation, were to a great ex- 
tent embodipd in the church, and the latter part 
of Mr. VailPs ministry was not wanting in 
outward evidence that the blessing of God at- 
tended his labors. He seemed to grow in fa- 
vor with his church and people as he grew in 
years ; and even to old age, when enfeebled by 
infirmities, and obliged to suspend his active 
labors, he still retained the affections and con- 
fidence of his people. His long experience in 
revivals qualified him to be a safe counsellor 
for young ministers, and his instructions to such 
as were inquiring what they must do to be 
saved, could not be followed without bringing 
them to Christ. He was not for encouraging 
sinners to hope they were subjects of regenera- 
tion without evidence, nor on slight grounds of 
evidence. Nor was he for speedily counting 
up and forming a list of the hopeful converts ; 
knowing that, in seasons of excitement, the re- 
ligious impressions of many prove only tempo- 
rary. The following extract is from his jour- 
nal. " I find it is far from being for the honor 
of religion, where a revival takes place, to 
speak particularly of the number who get a 
hope of their conversion ; since a considerable 
proportion of the latter often fall away and 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 191 

lose ail their apparent zeal and goodness." 
No pastor ever felt the preciousness of a re- 
vival more than Mr. Vaill, and few, if any, 
have given greater evidence of thankfulness 
under experience of the blessing. In a season of 
revival, he thus writes. " Blessed be God, the 
good work has commenced ; though its progress 
is like a still small voice, it is continued. I am 
not fond of a great parade in religion. What 
abundant cause have I to bless God that I have 
lived to see another precious revival among 
the people of my charge ! I hope and pray 
that it may be long continued, and that all, 
who have remained in an unconverted state, 
may now be brought in." 

" I perceive that my continued laborious ser- 
vices, in attending meetings so frequently, will 
soon wear away my feeble remains of strength 
and life ; but it is now harvest season with us. 
Has not a minister a call to exert himself in an 
unusual manner, when he appears to be pro- 
moting the spiritual good of immortal souls ? 
It does not consist so much in the length of 
time, as in a diligent and faithful attention to 
the duties of our calling, to render us useful. 
The ministry and labors of the Saviour were 
short. The ministry of John the Baptist was 
of short continuance. Paul and the other 
apostles passed through those labors, hardships 
and sufferings, which were calculated to wear 



1 92 MEMOIR or 

out their strength and lives in a short time, and 
yet what eminent services did all these per- . 
form for God, and for the salvation of perish- 
ing sinners ! " 

" Satan cares not by what means he works, 
if he can only stir up difficulties which tend 
to hinder the progress of religion. Christians 
must always look out for severe trials after a 
revival of religion. If the adversary cannot 
succeed to prevent its progress, in the season 
of it, he will use all his arts to destroy its good 
effects afterwards. I desire to commit the 
people of my charge and the church to the 
care of the great Head of the Church, who is 
able to purify it from all errors in doctrine and 
practice." 

After a season of revival. " The goodness 
of God towards me and my family and peo- 
ple, has been w r onderful of late. O, that I 
had a heart to love, to fear, to know and serve 
God in newness of life ! " 

At another date, in prospect of a revival. 
11 1 have reason to bless God, with the warm- 
est sentiments of gratitude, that there are any 
favorable symptoms of the revival of God's 
work among the people of my charge." 

Good effects of a revival. " Since the late 
revival, there is a great alteration in this place, 
among the people, for the better ; yet we are far 
from being what we ought to be as a people." 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 193 

" When I think of the unconverted, my 
heart is pained within me. As I look round 
and see rational and immortal creatures labor- 
ing and toiling for perishing dust as their best 
portion, while the one thing needful is neglect- 
ed. ! how do I pity them. How miserable 
is the condition of all unconverted sinners, who 
are living without God and without Christ in 
the world ! Arid many are not contented to 
go to destruction themselves, but are laboring 
to take multitudes with them to the fearful 
place of torment, prepared for the workers of 
iniquity. But, blessed be God. there is a glo- 
rious day approaching, when the kingdoms of 
this world shall become the kingdom of our 
Lord and of his Christ : when Satan shall be 
bound a thousand years, that he may not go 
out to deceive the nations ; and when wars 
and bloodshed shall be known no more." 

For the millennium. Mr. Vaill prayed and 
hoped ; and he rejoiced in view of it, and in all 
the increase of pure religion in the world. As 
he regarded revivals as the means of the en- 
largement of the church, and of the increase 
of pure religion in the church, his heart was 
deeply interested in them, up to the close of 
life. And. so far as he had opportunity, and 
had strength to labor in time of old age. he 

improved the privilege, 
17 



194 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Interest in objects of benevolence. Life member of two benevolent Sd- 
cieties. Efforts in the temperance cause. Results among his own 
people. Extracts from a Temperance Address. Extracts from a 
private letter to an acquaintance. 



Every thing connected with the welfare of 
Zion, was regarded favorably by Mr. Vaill. 
He was friendly to the religious enterprizes of 
the age, so far as they are conducted on Evan- 
gelical principles, and he cordially co-operated 
with Evangelical Christians, in sustaining them. 
He was constituted a life member of the Amer- 
ican Bible Society, and also of the American 
Tract Society by the Ladies of Hadlyme ; who 
in this manner testified their affection for their 
pastor and their attachment to these Benevo- 
lent Institutions. 

From early life, he was a decided and firm 
Jfriend to temperance, and long before the mod- 
ern temperance reformation was entered upon, 
he practiced upon the principle of abstinence. 






REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 195 

He was frank and open in opposing intemper- 
ance, and labored more than most of his min- 
isterial brethren, to arouse public attention to 
its alarming increase, and to stay its progress. 
In his poetical address to youth, in the form of a 
caution against vice, published in 1796, the vice 
of intemperance is particularly exhibited in its 
odious features. 

For many years, his efforts in the temper- 
ance cause failed of receiving that co-operation 
which the importance of the subject demand- 
ed ; and with a large portion of the people they 
were rather unpopular. But in the latter part 
of his ministry, as the temperance reformation 
progressed, he had the satisfaction to see his 
people coming into it very generally, and, by 
precept and example, he led them on like an 
aged veteran in the cause. Every member of 
his Church, male and female, became an enrol- 
led member of the temperance society, and the 
great majority of the people of Hadlyme went 
over to the side of the temperance reformation. 
The church and parish of Hadlyme, stand forth 
to view, in this reformation, a noble example in 
advance of surrounding churches and parishes. 
It must have cheered the heart of their aged 
pastor to witness this blessed result among the 
people of his charge, just as he was quitting the 
stage of action. 



J96 MEMOIR OF 

In his advanced age, his labors in the temper- 
ance cause were well received, and were par- 
ticularly serviceable to the aged, many of whom 
had felt that on account of the infirmities of 
age, they could not abandon the use of ardent 
spirit ; yet they were encouraged in doing this 
by his example and advice. 

He was invited abroad to deliver addresses 
in neighboring congregations ; and so far as his 
strength would permit, he engaged in labors of 
this sort. The following extracts are from 
one of his addresses, delivered in 1830, to the 
people of Chester. 

" My Christian friends : You will doubtless 
feel, that so numerous have been the addresses 
and publications on this topic, by men of supe- 
rior talents and attainments, that in offering ad- 
ditional ones, we are like to persons gleaning 
among the sheaves after harvest men. But 
notwithstanding this, and though the speaker is 
borne down in a great measure with age, and 
infirmity, he will attempt to offer something, as 
the testimony of a dying man, in favor of this 
all important cause. 

" I am confident that there can be no need 
of additional motives to convince the friends of 
virtue and religion, of the importance of pledg- 
ing themselves to observe entire abstinence 
from the use of ardent spirit, except as a med- 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 197 

cine, provided they have given ^credit to the 
testimony of a cloud of witnesses in regard to 
the following facts, viz. 

" That all distilled liquors contain not the 
least nutricious quality, and add nothing to the 
physical strength of the human body, but only 
serve to produce an animating, momentary ex- 
citement, which is uniformly followed with de- 
bility and languor. 

" It is ascertained that these liquors contain 
a degree of poison, which operates, in a slow 
and secret manner, to effect the brain, and grad- 
ually to impair the whole of man's physical 
constitution. As this representation is doubt- 
less correct, it of course follows, that persons 
who consent to destroy themselves, by the free 
and excessive use of these liquors, are to be re- 
garded as self-murderers. 

" Another fact, stated by judicious observers 
is, that 25 or 30,000 of the citizens of the Uni- 
ted States, die annually in consequence of their 
intemperance. This consideration alone should 
have influence to prevent all sorts of persons 
from continuing a practice so ruinous, and to 
enlist them at once, on the principle of entire 
abstinence. 

" Another fact stated repeatedly by the ad- 
vocates of temperance, is, that the habitual use 

of strong drink, though moderate for a while, 
17* 



198 MEMOIR OF 

has resulted in the ruin of property, of reputa- 
tion, and of the well-being of multitudes, who 
were once respectable, and, in many instances, 
wealthy persons, and brought poverty and mis- 
ery upon them and their families ; and, in ten 
thousand instances, intemperance has turned 
the once peaceful and happy dwelling into a 
doleful habitation, a Iwld of foul spirits. Nor 
can the following facts be controverted, that 
intemperance has filled the prisons with cul- 
prits and the alms houses with paupers, which 
have cost the respective states and tow r ns 
enormous sums annually ; that it has been the 
chief cause of murders, manslaughter, suicides 
and riots, that it has occasioned a tax upon the 
honest, industrious and laboring classes of soci- 
ety, for the maintenance of paupers, rendered 
such by intemperance. 

" In view of the above named evils, and ma- 
ny others, which might be mentioned, is it not 
marvellous, that there should be any persons 
found in a land of gospel light, who should still 
plead for what is called even a moderate use of 
ardent spirit ? And it is still more astonishing, 
that any of the professors of religion, who hope 
that they are travelling to the kingdom of heav- 
en, should be opposed to the temperance refor- 
mation. I would ask whether such as are on 
the way to the New Jerusalem need the aid of 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 199 

strong drink, to enable them more faithfully and 
successfully to engage in the self-denying duties 
which the Saviour requires? Can they, by 
daily drinking this poison, gain a more easy or 
complete victory over the allurements of the 
world, the temptations of the devil, and the re- 
maining corruptions of their own depraved 
hearts ? Can they pray more sincerely, and 
acceptably in their families and in their closets? 
Does the morning dram fit them to pour out 
their hearts more fervently to God for his bles- 
sing on themselves and their households ? And 
when the sacred day of rest returns, I ask 
whether ardent spirit is a necessary ingredient 
in their preparation for the private or public 
exercises of that holy day ? Does the effluvia 
that the drinkers of ardent spirit emit from their 
breath in the sanctuary, constitute that holy 
incense, which comes up acceptably before the 
mercy seat? Nay, is it not rather offering 
that strange fire before God, for which sin Na- 
dab and Abihu were immediately burned to 
death ? Do the lovers of strong drink say, they 
find a warrant in the word of God for its mod- 
erate use ? I would inquire whether they can 
find this warrant, but by perverting and wrest- 
ing the sacred scriptures from their obvious 
import, as do the advocates of error, to prove 
the doctrine of universal salvation, and other 



200 



MEMOIft OF 



erroneous doctrines ? Is it not a black mark 
upon those who call themselves Christians, to 
attempt to draw something from the word of 
the living God, to warrant them in the indul- 
gence of their depraved appetites, when they 
do it, as they have reason to believe, at the ex- 
pense of the temporal and everlasting happi- 
ness of thousands of fellow beings, as well as 
at the peril of their own salvation? Such per- 
sons, whatever may be their profession of 
friendship for Christ, must be viewed in the 
same light with profane Esau, who for one mor- 
sel of meat sold his birthright. 

" But do they profess to make the scriptures 
of truth their guide ; they will find it recorded 
under the pen of inspiration, that temperance 
is one of the graces of the Spirit, that he who 
striveth for the mastery, must be temperate in 
all things, that such as would be the followers 
of Christ must take up the cross daily, must 
walk circumspectly, must abstain from all ap- 
pearance of evil, and by no means put a stumb- 
ling block in a brother's way." 



" And now my hearers, we ought to bear in 
mind, that we have arrived at that solemn and 
critical period, when the conduct of the present 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 20] 

inhabitants, will pi nde the future des- 

tiny of those who shall succeed them. They 
will leave either a blessing or a curse behind 
them, not rir cnildren. but for unborn 

generations. Hence all. who are not past feel- 
ing, must be sensible that they are under indis- 
pensable obligations to exert themselves, with 
a firm and persevering zeal, in promoting the 
cause of temperance." 

Mr. Vaill not only gave public addresses, he 
also gave private admonitions, by word and 
epistle, to individuals whom he saw in danger of 
falling into this vice. The following extracts 
ram one of his private letters, addressed to 
the head of a family, in whose welfare he felt 
interested. 

"Dear Sir: — You will permit me to address 
you. upon a very interesting and important sub- 
ject ; and. I trust, I shall do it with all the kind- 
ness and faithfulness of one. who has a sincere 
regard tor your temporal and everlasting well- 
being. From a number of years acquaintance 
with you. I have considered you as capable of 
making a useful man in your family and in so- 
ciety : and you are blest with a worthy, and. I 
hope, pious companion, and with a number cf 
promising children. But O. my dear friend, 
my heart aches, while I view you on the high 
road to ruin, by that fatal evil, in temperance. 



202 MEMOIR OF 

However insensible you may be to the immi- 
nent danger you are in, your friends and ac- 
quaintance have, for a considerable time, seen 
in you ihose dark symptoms, which ordinarily 
precede habitual intoxication. I have witnessed 
this myself. Seldom of late have I been near 
enough to shake hands and to converse with 
you without perceiving the scent of rum from 
your breath. Your countenance also betrays 
you, and your manner of speaking at times de- 
notes the excitement of ardent spirit. Your ac- 
quaintance are beginning to rank you in the 
class of the intemperate. 

" As I am on the borders of the grave and 
the eternal world, my conscience would not 
suffer me to rest, till I gave you some faithful 
warning on this subject. I am sensible, that 
when a person has long been accustomed to the 
use, it must be attended with some self-denial, 
entirely to abandon the practice, yet, by the 
grace of God assisting you, it may be done, yea 
it has already been done, by great numbers, 
who had long been in the habit of intemperance. 
And, surely, every rational person, who believes 
in the truths of the Bible, will acknowledge 
that it is infinitely better to pass through the 
most painful temporary mortification of his 
inordinate lusts and appetites, than to ruin him- 
self for time and eternity. This corresponds 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 203 

with the following words of the Saviour. If 
thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast 
it from thee ; it is profitable for thee, that one of 
thy members should perish, and not that thy whole 
body should be cast into hell. 

"And not only does intemperance, persisted 
in through life, destroy the soul and body for- 
ever, but, O, how shocking the consequences 
to the peace, the property, the good order and 
well being of families ! An intemperate man 
lays the foundation to entail poverty, misery 
and disgrace upon his family. If his wife and 
children do not follow his example, they must 
unavoidably share in the distressing consequen- 
ces ! How many heart-rending sighs and 
groans, and tears does an intemperate husband 
occasion a pious wife, or his children if they 
prove virtuous and temperate, and under what 
deep and lasting disgrace does an intemperate 
head of a family descend to the grave ! 

" And now, my dear friend, if my apprehen- 
sions concerning you are not well founded, 
you will, I trust, impute my plain dealing to a 
sincerely benevolent intention, but if they are 
founded in truth, I hope and pray they may not 
fail of the salutary effects for which they are 
designed. It is a favorable time to commence 
the work of reformation, numbers are joining 
the temperance ranks, you can now cast in your 



204 MEMOIR OP 

lot with them. Should you comply with this 
proposal and become a humble, penitent, pray- 
ing follower of Christ, you would not only re- 
trieve your character, and be prepared to spend 
the rest of your days in peace, but, by the grace 
of God, you would be admitted at last to dwell 
with them in Christ's kingdom who have been 
washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of 
the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 
From your aged friend, 

J. Vaill." 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 205 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Settlement of a Colleague. Retires from active service. Unexpected 
removal to Killingworth. Farewell address to his people. Occasion- 
al labors and visits after his removal. Useful to the close of life. 



In the latter part of the year 1831, finding the 
infirmities of age increasing upon him, Mr. 
Vaill entered into arrangements with his peo- 
ple for them to procure for him a colleague. 
To enable them to do this, he consented to 
relinquish his salary, when the arrangement 
should go into effect. Accordingly, in the 
spring of 1832, the Rev. Ralph S. Cramp ton 
was installed colleague pastor of the church in 
Hadlyme. He was dismissed in the autumn of 
1834 ; and in the spring of 1835, Rev. George 
Carrington was installed colleague pastor with 
Mr. Vaill. Mr. Carrington remains in the 
pastoral charge of this church. 

Though from the settlement of a colleague, 
18 



206 MEMOIR OP 

Mr. Vaill retired from the responsibility of 
supplying the pulpit on the Sabbath, still he 
did not lose his interest in the people. He was 
about among them, encouraging whatever was 
calculated for their good, strengthening the 
hands of his colleague, and exercising a father* 
ly affection for the people. 

The winter of 1836 disclosed, in Divine 
Providence, an unexpected way for him to pass 
the few remaining years of his life in freedom 
from care and anxiety in regard to his support. 
The marriage of his youngest daughter deter- 
mined him to break up his family establish- 
ment, and to remove to the family of his son- 
in-law, David Evarts, Esq., of North KHling- 
worth, (now Killing worth). This daughter 
was the only child that had remained with him. 
On her had devolved the cares of the family, 
and the responsibility of nursing and minister- 
ing to the comfort of her aged parent. This 
change involved the trial of leaving the place 
which had been his home for more than half a 
century ; where he had sojourned and prayed, 
and studied and labored, and reared up his 
family. At first, it seemed to him impossible, 
yet he became reconciled to the change, and 
saw and admired the faithfulness of God in 
opening the way for his removal to the family 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 207 

of his son-in-law. where he received all the 
kind attentions which could be desired in time 
of old age. 

His farewell address on this occasion to his 
people is here inserted. It was extemporane- 
ous, and has been furnished through the kind- 
of his colleague. R^v, George Carring- 
ton. who took it down in short hand at the 
time it was delivered 

" On the afternoon of Lord's day. March 
27th. 1S36, the Rev. Joseph Vaill. being about 
to remove from Hadlyme. addressed the con- 
gregation in substance as follows : 

•• Mv Christian Friends, 

'• You are all sensible that the ways of God 
are mysterious : that the course of his provi- 
dence is not to be fathomed. Many, very 
many surprising changes take place in the 
course of it. 

•• I little expected to leave this place till I 
should be carried to the grave. For I expect 
soon to take up my lodging in that narrow 
house, not to depart thence till the heavers- be 
no more. My leaving you before that event is 
with reluctance, and only in compliance with 
the order of God's providence. 

'•You are all sensible that I have been many 
years your pastor, and have broken to you the 
bread of life. During that time. I have en- 



208 MEMOIR OF 

deavored to dispense to you the truth, as it is 
in Jesus, according to the best of my ability. 

" For many years after my settlement in this 
place, I labored under great discouragements. 
Few were converted to Christ. The war of 
the revolution, which was then raging, engros- 
sed the public attention, The requisitions which 
were made on the people for military service, 
distracted their thoughts and prevented their 
attending to the concerns of their souls. But 
after that period, God was pleased to grant 
success to the labors of his unworthy servant. 
Several seasons of the outpouring of the Spirit 
were enjoyed. It is within the recollection of 
some of you, that for many years, meetings 
were kept up three times a week, and some- 
times oftener. Many, God knows how many, 
were brought into the kingdom of Christ. 
Many of them have departed, and some of 
them, it is hoped, are now in glory. 

" And now what shall I say ? You are sen- 
sible that an old man like me can say but little. 
, You that profess religion ; have you done all 
j that you could to promote it ? Have you done 
jail in your power to revive the work of God? 
Have you strengthened the hands of your new 
pastor ? Have you prayed as much as you 
, could ? Have you taught and warned your 
children as much as you could ? Have you 



MM! 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 209 

prayed for them and with them ? Have you 
travailed in birth for them ? Have you en- 
deavored to restrain them from the ways of 
this wicked world 1 Have you strengthened 
the hands of your pastor as much as you 
ought ? The work of the ministry is weighty. 
It is no trifling work. It is enough to over- 
whelm one who is not upheld by Christ's right- 
eousness. 

" Have you paid that regard to the Sabbath 
which you ought ? Many professors of reli- 
gion are wanting in regard to the Sabbath. 
They meet outside of the meeting house in 
pleasant weather, not, it is to be feared, for the 
purpose of serious conversation, but that they 
may join with the men of the world in their 
conversation. Or they lie late in bed on the 
morning of that day, because they have no 
worldly business to call them up. But the 
Sabbath is our stay ; it is the support of reli- 
gion. Take it away, and all is gone. Look at 
the valley of the Mississippi. There the Sab- 
bath is neglected or overrun with pastime. 
And the Roman Catholics, seeing that this is a 
fit soil for them, are flocking in there and fill- 
ing the country. 

" Brethren, are you as faithful as you ought 
to be in attending public worship ? Christians 
18* 



210 MEMOIR OF 

ought not to be deficient in this. How can 
any maintain a Christian character without it? 
How can they, without setting a pious exam- 
ple ? The apostle warns us not to forsake the 
assembling of ourselves together as the man- 
ner of some is ; and so much the more as we 
see the day approaching. What day ? The 
day of judgment — the great day, when every 
man's work shall be tried, of what sort it is, 
and profession and practice shall be laid in the 
balance. 

" You that profess religion ; let me entreat 
you to wake up. It will not answer to treat 
the subject of religion in a trivial, slothful man- 
ner; we must wake up and be in earnest in it, 
as were the saints and patriarchs and martyrs 
of Christ. 

" There are some of you who make no pro- 
fession. Perhaps you have never in your lives 
prayed to God. If you have not, the time past 
is gone ; you cannot recall the time which is 
past. Was there ever a time, when, like Na- 
thaniel under the fig-tree, you sat and medi- 
tated on the things of Christ ? Have you ever, 
during that part of your lives which is past, 
prayed in your families ? If not, you cannot 
recall the time which you have lost. If you 
put off this duty a little longer, it will be true 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 211 

of you, that you have never in your life done 
it ; that during your whole life, you have never 
made a prayer. 

"If you have never repented, when will the 
time come 1 Do you feel more friendly to re- 
ligion now than you did years ago ? Are any 
of you more willing to engage in the self-de- 
nying services of Christ than you were thirty 
years ago ? Do you grow any more willing, 
by delaying to do them ? Do you hope that 
God w T ill have mercy on you, as he did on the 
thief? But let it be considered that his case 
is the only one which we read of in the Bible, 
brought to repentance and accepted at so late 
an hour. To rely upon this, and put off re- 
pentance, must be presumptuous and hazardous. 

" Perhaps some of you are flattering your- 
selves that all will be well enough ; that all will 
be saved. It may be that some few of you 
rely on the Universalist doctrine. But it is a 
fatal delusion. It comes from the adversary 
of souls. Why. if all will be saved, did not the 
apostles tell the Jews so, instead of preaching 
to them the terrors of the Lord ? Why did 
not Peter tell those who were pricked in the 
heart, on the day of Pentecost, and inquired, 
1 Men and brethren, what shall we do ? ' — 
' You need not trouble yourselves — all will 
be well — all will be saved — there is no need 



212 MEMOIR OF 

of this distress about it.' Listen not to these 
lying spirits that go out to deceive the nations. 
For the apostle tells us that in the last days 
there shall be seducing spirits and doctrines of 
devils in the world. If, my brethren, any of 
you find out from the Bible, that man can be 
saved without sanctifying grace, you will be 
the first that have discovered it. You must be 
born again. This is what all faithful ministers 
tell you, and are continually telling you. Dont 
think that certain subtle men are wiser than 
all that have gone before them ; that they have 
found out a new meaning to the Bible by their 
philosophy and refinements." 

" Young people often feel haughty and confi- 
dent, because they think they have discovered 
that all are going to be saved. But, my young 
friends, do attend to the solemn words of an in- 
spired writer : ' Remember now thy Creator in 
the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, 
and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I 
have no pleasure in them.' It is infinitely im- 
portant to keep in mind the duty of remember- 
ing your Creator. Listen to the moans of the 
dying impenitent. Many accounts of these are 
published. How many, on a death bed, have 
said, O ! I am unprepared ; I want a moment 
longer to prepare for death ! 

" My brethren and friends, live in peace. 



REV. JOSEPH VAtLL. 213 

May the God of peace be with you. May we 
soon hear of the goings of God in Hadlyme. 
May we hear that professors are engaged ; 
that they labor together with their pastor ; that 
they regard the Sabbath, and are zealous of 
good works. 

" Brethren, be not weary in well doing. It 
will do you no good to get much, and become 
rich in this world, if you are not rich towards 
God. If you set your hearts on riches, the 
time will come, when you will say, ' Here 's 
all ; I've no more.' Many who have had lit- 
tle of this world, and suffered much, have found 
that religion will support them under all trials, 
and fill them with consolation. Religion can 
support you under every trial. I have heard 
many moans of youth upon a dying bed, be- 
cause they were going into eternity unprepar- 
ed. I have seen many changes, but I have 
found nothing that will satisfy the soul, but to 
live a life of prayer. It has been my earnest 
prayer that I might know how to die. And I 
know that nothing will do you the least good, 
unless you have an interest in the Son of God. 

" And now I bid you farewell till we meet at 
the tribunal of Christ. I desire your prayers 
for me, in my advanced age. I am loth to 
leave you. My attachments to the church and 
people are very strong. I have had many 



214 MEMOIR OF 

friends who have been very kind to me ; some 
of them from a distance of three hundred miles. 
They have ministered to my necessities. I am 
yet alive, but my time is coming. I hope, 
through amazing grace, to be admitted to the 
company of the redeemed. I hope that you, 
who survive me, will lend me your aid to bring 
my remains and lay them by the side of my 
departed wife. I hope she was a Christian. 
There I wish to lie till the resurrection, that 
we may rise together, and hand in hand as- 
cend to the mansions of the blessed." 

At Killingworth, Mr. Vaill found himself 
very contented in the family of his son-in-law ; 
there he remained cheerful and happy up to 
the time of his death. Occasionally visiting 
his people at Hadlyme, and his ministerial 
brethren in neighboring churches, and preach- 
ing as his strength would permit, he continued 
to be useful. It was a time of revival in the 
church at Killingworth, when he removed there, 
and in reference to his labors in that place, the 
Rev. E. G. Swift, the pastor of that church, in 
a letter, thus writes : 

" Mr. Vaill came here at the time we were 
enjoying a season of revival, and he entered 
into it with all his heart, preaching often on the 
Sabbath, and attending our weekly church 
prayer meetings and afternoon lectures. On 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 215 

such occasions, and in private, his admonitions, 
especially to Christian professors, were ex- 
ceedingly solemn and faithful, and often pointed 
and heart searching. The impression which 
he left upon the minds of us all, in his public 
services and in his daily walk, was that he was 
an eminently good and holy man." 

In one of his last letters to his son in Brim- 
field, Mass., written less than a year before his 
death, he says, " I have preached since I have 
been in this place (Killing worth) upwards of 
forty times for Mr. Swift and neighboring min- 
isters. The reason for my engaging in such 
frequent labor is the present prevalence of er- 
ror and lukewarmness among ministers and 
professors. I know I am but a feeble instru- 
ment at best, but the work of God is promoted 
not by finite power and human eloquence, but 
by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts." 

He became greatly endeared to the family of 
Mr. Evarts and to the people of Killingworth \ 
and in view of his removal to that place, he 
seemed to be perfectly satisfied, and often 
spake of the faithfulness of God towards him. 
In the summer of 1838, apprehending that the 
time of his departure must be near, he made 
the visits which he wished to make to his peo- 
ple and ministerial brethren, and with one of 
his brethren, with whom for more than twenty 



216 MEMOIR OF 

years he had lived in habits of uninterrupted 
Christian and ministerial intercourse, he left a 
request that he should preach his funeral ser- 
mon. In this manner were his labors closed, 
— his visits finished and his arrangements made 
for the time of his departure ; and in the retire- 
ment of the family of his son-in-law, mingling oc- 
casionally in religious meetings with the people 
of Killingworth, he remained, waiting for his 
Lord's coming. It was not his desire to outlive 
his usefulness. Nor is there reason to suppose 
that he did. His conversation, his counsels, 
his prayers, his Christian example, enabled 
him to do good up to the close of life. And 
neither the young nor the old, could see him 
and converse with him without feeling a kind 
of veneration for him, as an holy man of God, 
that was soon to leave the world. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 217 



CHAPTER XV 



His last sickness. Death. Funeral. Extracts from the sermon preach- 
ed at his funeral. Notices of his life and character, as sketched by 
different persons. Closing remarks. 



The last sickness of Mr. Vaill was of short 
continuance, and not marked with much visi- 
ble suffering. In general, in his sickness, so far 
as he was able to converse, he manifested the 
same composure and Christian feeling as he 
had uniformly done at other times. The fol- 
lowing account of his sickness and death, at 
the request of the compiler, has been furnished 
by the daughter who attended him, and was an 
eye-witness to the closing scene. 

" I know not that we can furnish any addition- 
al particulars to what you have already, of the 
closing scene of my honored father's life. His 
mind was not clear during his last sickness, nor 
was he able during a part of the time to speak. 
19 



218 MEMOIR OF 

When first taken, he conversed freely about 
dying ; said it was probably his last sickness, and 
wished me to inform Mr. Parsons, that he might 
be ready to preach at his funeral. He appeared 
composed, as he has uniformly done before, 
when speaking of his dissolution. After this 
he seemed rather to sink into an insensible 
state, and took but little notice of any thing, 
though he knew his friends who called to see 
him, and expressed his usual interest in them. 
His strength diminished daily, though he had 
no violent disease upon him. His nature seem- 
ed to be worn out ; his sufferings were appa- 
rently light. In death, he had not one struggle, 
but sunk to rest in great serenity. He was 
taken up into an easy chair about nine o'clock 
in the evening. We found that he was failing 
fast ; he was laid back upon the bed, when he 
commenced rattling in his throat. We then 
perceived that the closing scene was at hand, 
and gathered around his bed to witness his de- 
parture. It was deeply affecting to his daugh- 
ter, who had so long ministered to this venera- 
ble parent in his advanced age, and received a 
pious education from his tender care. It re- 
called to mind the death of a beloved mother 
six years before, in which affliction father and 
myself were the only near relations present. 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 219 

But why should I mourn for the loss of such 
parents? They have gone to receive their 
reward for Christian fidelity." 

"The family where our venerable parent 
closed his earthly pilgrimage, was much af- 
fected at parting with him. He had a pecu- 
liar faculty to gain the affections of children. 
Our children all loved him, (children of Esqr. 
Evarts by a former marriage) and never will 
forget the instructions he gave them. He gain- 
ed many friends in Killingworth, and I trust 
that the efforts he made near the close of life 
for the salvation of souls in this place, will be 
productive of good long after he has reposed 
in the grave." 

" God was very merciful in giving our dear 
father so peaceful a release from the body, as 
he ever from a child had a dread of passing 
through the dark valley. Immediately after he 
had closed his eyes, his countenance, which had 
never looked distorted or terrifying, settled in- 
to the same composure as if he had been in 
a peaceful sleep." The manner of his death, 
corresponded with his life. He met the king 
of terrors with composure, and in reliance on 
his Redeemer. Mark the perfect man, and be- 
hold the upright, for the end of that man is 
peace. Thus died the Rev. Joseph Vaill, on 
the 21st of November, 1838, at Killingworth, 



220 MEMOIR OF 

in the 88th year of his age, and 59th year of 
his ministry. 

Intelligence of his death was immediately 
conveyed to Hadlyme, and to some extent in 
neighboring churches ; and on the 23d inst., his 
funeral was attended in the meeting house at 
Hadlyme. The occasion was one of deep and 
solemn interest to the church and people of 
Hadlyme, to the pastors of neighboring church- 
es and others that were present from their con- 
gregations. A sermon was preached by Rev. 
Isaac Parsons, of East Haddam. The subject 
was the faithful minister going to his reward, 
founded on Matt. xxv. 23: His Lord said 
unto him, well done good and faithful servant, 
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will 
make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord. A few extracts from the 
sermon are here inserted. 

" In speaking of the faithful minister, I would 
not be understood to assume the prerogative 
of God in respect to knowledge of the hearts 
and motives of men. We judge of men from 
their apparent characters and outward lives. 
And w 7 hen we find a minister of the gospel 
whom we regard as a faithful servant of the 
Lord, our opinion of him is formed in view of 
his outward life. Fidelity in every employ- 
ment, and in every relation of life, is one of the 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 221 

loveliest traits of character ; and this in a min- 
ister of the gospel is one of the highest excel- 
lences. To be a faithful ambassador of the 
Lord Jesus Christ in the holy ministry, is the 
highest honor to which mortal man can attain, 
and it will secure a high degree of glory in the 
state of reward." 

" I will not detain you to portray in this 
place the character of a faithful minister ; to 
show in what fidelity consists, and how it is 
manifested ; nor will I go into an argument to 
prove that the aged and venerable minister of 
Hadlyme, whose voice is now silent in death, 
and whose face in the flesh we shall look upon 
this day for the last time, sustained this char- 
acter." 

" Through a long ministry, and under many 
changes and discouragements, in labors public 
and private, in the house of God, in the con- 
ference, at the church lecture, in the house of 
mourning, by the bedside of the sick and dying, 
on funeral occasions, in pastoral visits, in his 
own domestic circle, in his attention to schools, 
in Ecclesiastical councils, at ordinations and dis- 
missions of pastors, in his intercourse with min- 
isterial brethren, in his adherence to the great 
truths of the Christian system, in his love for 
revivals of religion, and interest in missions and 

the extension of the kingdom of Christ in the 
19* 



222 MEMOIR OF 

world, he has acted the part of a faithful ser- 
vant of the Lord, and he has left behind him 
testimony to his fidelity in the consciences of 
all to whom he ministered, or who shared his 
acquaintance. You all feel that he was an 
honest, devoted, godly man, and that he is gone 
to share the reward of a faithful servant. 
Such is my feeling after enjoying his friendship 
and living in ministerial intercourse, and uni- 
form confidence with him for more than twenty 
years. I loved him as a father in the ministry, 
and I could always confide in him as a faithful 
friend, and a minister of an honest and upright 
heart." 

" But we have come together to day to bury 
this servant of the Lord. Never before have 
we met him under equally solemn, and tender 
and joyful associations. The burial of a faith- 
ful pastor is, to his people, attended with very 
different feelings and hopes from his ordination. 
In 1780, almost fifty-nine years ago, the Rev. 
Joseph Vaill was ordained and set over this 
church and people, in the presence of your 
fathers and mothers, and by an Ecclesiastical 
council, composed of pastors and delegates that 
have died before him. At the time of his or- 
dination, your fathers were looking forward 
into his commencing ministry in hope of good 
to themselves and their children ; those of you 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 223 

who had then attained to adult age, and others 
that were children of some years, can remem- 
ber the occasion, and can recall to mind your 
associations and compare them with your as- 
sociations to-day. The fathers and mothers 
that were then on the stage of life, have gone 
to their reward. They performed their ser- 
vice, and left their pastor and your pastor be- 
hind, he retaining your affections, and you 
sharing his love and a daily remembrance in 
his prayers. You come to day to consign to 
the grave this, your venerable pastor, and the 
thought is a welcome one to indulge, that he 
has gone to meet in the intermediate state of 
glory, the pious dead of his beloved flock, who 
had gone before him. Though the society and 
fellowship of the blessed in glory, can be only a 
subordinate source of enjoyment, still we may 
suppose, there will be something exquisitely de- 
lightful in the meeting of a minister and the 
people to whom he ministered. 

" As we extend our thoughts back through 
the space of more than half a century, and con- 
template the ravages of death in this place, in 
the intermediate time, and confine our view to 
the changes effected in families and neighbor- 
hoods, and in the structure of society, and then 
go through your graveyards, and think of the 
congregations gathered there, we are filled with 



224 MEMOI R OF 

tender recollections. But now that servant of 
the Lord, who through all this long period, stood 
by the sick praying, and commended the dying 
to the Lord, and attended the funerals of the 
dead, is himself numbered with them : and, at 
his request, made to me in anticipation of this 
occasion, I stand here to day in this sacred 
desk, to sympathize with you and your survi- 
ving pastor in this solemnity, and to suggest 
motives for improvement. 

" God had spared him to a good old age. 
His ministry among you was long and useful, 
its close has been peaceful and happy. The 
covenant faithfulness of God was often ack- 
nowledged by him, in the care exercised over 
him in time of old age. Few aged men wheth- 
er private Christians, or ministers of the Gospel, 
are more familiar with meditations upon death. 
I well remember his conversation at our last 
interview, when speaking of his approaching 
change. ' I feel,' said he, that I am near to 
eternity. I think I have good hope through 
grace, but I am not without fear, through the 
deceitfulness of sin. I am a great sinner, but 
through the mercy of God in Christ, I hope to 
be saved. I think I love religion, and have 
been trying to serve God for a great many 
years, but Oh, how poorly ! ' It was remarka- 
ble to see in this aged minister, such abiding 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 225 

views of the great evil of sin, and of his own un- 
worthiness, and such a sense of dependence on 
Divine grace. There was nothing like boasting in 
himself or his own righteousness, and he seem- 
ed to rest all his hopes on the merits of Christ, 
for pardon, and acceptance unto eternal life. 

" The close of such a ministry, in view of its 
reward, is attended with joyful associations. It 
is true, we cannot conceive of the glory and 
blessedness of being with Christ, in his state of 
glory ; we cannot tel] the amount of that holy 
joy, that is brought to view in the text, nor how 
the rewards of grace shall be proportioned 
among the faithful according to the measure of 
their fidelity ; but we are assured that death is 
gain to the faithful servant, that he is raised to 
a higher station of dignity and glory , to a high- 
er state of usefulness and blessedness, that he 
is removed from sin, from sorrow, from temp- 
tation, from the society of the wicked, from 
suffering, and that he will be no more subject 
to death. It is indeed cheering to contemplate 
the faithful servant, as thus leaving this world, 
and going to his reward under the approving 
sentence, Well done, good and faithful servant, 
enter thou into tltejoy of thy Lord! 

"God has manifested his faithfulness tow T ards 
this church and people, in giving to them so 
faithful a pastor, and in continuing him to them 



7 



226 MEMOIR OF 

so long. It was a source of happiness to your 
aged pastor, that you were blest with a col- 
league pastor, in whom he confided, and who, 
he hoped, might long be spared to you after his 
decease. In this respect, God has dealt with 
you in mercy, and in view of the removal of 
your aged pastor, you are permitted to indulge 
the pleasing thought, that, as soon as he had 
finished his course of usefulness in this world, 
the Great Head of the Church has taken him 
to a higher state of usefulness and glory in the 
invisible world. You have occasion for grati- 
tude for so faithful and devoted a pastor ; and 
in his death is no occasion for sorrow, as if it 
were an afflictive event. Your loss is to be 
contemplated as his gain. The loss to his chil- 
dren and friends is also to be viewed as his 
gain. He is still serving God, and is doubtless 
filling a far higher sphere of holy influence in 
the divine kingdom, than when he was pastor 
of this church. And though dead, he yet lives 
among you, he lives in your recollections, he 
lives in the influence of his preaching while 
with you, he lives in the kindred Spirit and 
faith, and labors of his surviving colleague, he 
lives in the testimony of your consciences, to 
his fidelity, while with you. And in all these 
ways he is still laboring with you for your good. 



&EV. JOSEPH VAILL. 22? 

and inviting you to follow him, so far as he fol- 
lowed Christ. 

" To all of this church and congregation, the 
occasion is affectingly solemn. The relation of 
your aged pastor to you, is now dissolved. He 
has gone to give in his account, how he has 
preached, and how fulfilled the duties of the 
holy ministry among you. You will meet him 
no more in this sanctuary, but you will meet 
him again at the bar of Christ, when it will ap- 
pear how you have improved his ministry. 
Those of you, w^ho are Christians, in whose 
hearts the love of God has been shed abroad 
by the Holy Ghost, may hope to meet him with 
joy, and to stand among the children God 
has given him, to be his crown of rejoicing, sa 
ved through his instrumentality. But is this the 
case with all this flock ? Are there not some, 
who are yet in their sins, for whom this ser- 
vant of the Lord has prayed and labored, and 
whom he has often warned to flee from the 
wrath to come, and against whom remaining in 
sin, he will be constrained to be a witness at 
last ? Oh, think impenitent ones of the account 
you must give of this holy man's ministry, which 
you have enjoyed, and which has been in vain, 
as it respects your repentance and salvation, 
and be excited to turn from your sins now, 
while it is yet an accepted time ! Attend to the 



/ 



/ 

/ 

/ 



228 MEMOIR OF 

admonition of this occasion, listen to the voice 
of this providence, and be quickened in duty to 
be found in Christ, and to be prepared to stand 
approved in the judgment." 



" To the children of God in this place, the 
thought that they shall see his face no more, 
who has so long been their spiritual father and 
guide, will produce tender emotions, when the 
grave shall close upon his sealed coffin, and 
fond affection will centre around his grave, be- 
cause there his mortal body sleeps. But bles- 
sed be God, it is not an eternal sleep ! It was 
his choice to have his grave here, because the 
saints to whom he ministered were here, some 
in their graves, and some still alive. It was his 
choice, and I rejoice that your affection has re- 
sponded to his request, that his grave should 
be with you, to the end that in the morning of 
the resurrection, at the sound of the arch-angels 
trump, he might rise with his people, and come 
forth from the grave with them, changed after 
the similitude of the glorious body of Christ, to 
meet the Lord in the air, to enter with him into 
the final state of glory, to be forever with the 
Lord. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye 
stedfast, uamoveable, always abounding in tfee 



SEV, JOSBPH VAILt. 229 

work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that 
your labor is not in vain in the Lord.' " 

The people of Hadlyme, testified their affec- 
tionate respect to the memory of their aged 
pastor, by their full attendance on his funeral, 
and tenderness of feeling, shown in paying their 
tribute of grateful affection at his grave. 

In one of the public journals in which his death 
was mentioned, a summary sketch of his life 
and character was given, from which the fol- 
lowing extract is taken. " The decease of this 
venerable servant of Christ, was announced in 
our last. But his character and example de- 
serve a more particular notice. It is recorded 
of righteous Abel, ' he being dead yet speaketh.' 
The example of the departed servants of Christ, 
is their legacy to the Church, for the benefit of 
coming Generations. Pious example then, like 
the mantle of Elijah, should be gathered up and 
preserved by those, who would be followers of 
them, who through faith and patience, have in- 
herited the promises. Mr. Vaill was eminent 
for his piety, his faithfulness, his consistency, 
and his perseverance. He endured unto the 
end, he was faithful unto death, and we doubt 
not, has received a crown of life. 

" The example of this respected and beloved 
servant of Christ, was in many respects instruc- 
tive. He was constant and indefatgable in 
20 



230 MEMOIR OP 

ministerial labors. He never shrunk from the 
path of duty. He spared no pains to instruct 
and improve all that came in the sphere of his 
influence. In the station to which he was as- 
signed in Providence, he continued in the faith- 
ful and successful discharge of ministerial duty, 
till increasing age and infirmities rendered it 
expedient for him to have assistance. He then 
relinquished his salary and a colleague was set- 
tled. He still continued to perform the duties 
of the ministry, in his own and neighboring 
parishes, until a short time previous to his 
death. Now he rests from his labors, his body 
sleeps in the grave amidst the silent congrega- 
tion of his cotemporaries until the morning of 
the resurrection." 

Extracts from letters containing notices of Mr. Vaill's character. 

Haddam April, 19th, 1839. 
Rev. Mr. Parsons, 

Dear Sir : — I am glad you are about to 
publish a biographical sketch of father Vaill. I 
knew him well, during my former ministry in 
this country, when he was in the prime and 
vigor of his days, used to exchange pulpits with 
him, to labor with him, as he did with me, and 
to meet him at Ministers meetings, Councils, 
and Associations. Impressions of him were not 
lost during my residence in Massachusetts, 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 231 

[Dr. Field was absent from Middlesex County 
eighteen years,] and after my return to the 
county, our acquaintance was renewed and 
continued until his death. 

He was a precious man. I have known few 
in whose entire life, (and he lived to a great 
age,) so few things existed, which can now be 
regarded as matters of regret, and, so many 
in which we can rejoice. He possessed native 
good sense, and considering the difficulties un- 
der which he labored in the early part of his 
days, his literary and theological attainments 
were very respectable. He studied the Bible 
much, and was well versed in the doctrines of 
grace. In preaching he was plain, and serious. 
In doctrine, he showed uncorruptness, gravity 
and sincerity, and how holily, and justly, and 
unblamably he behaved himself among them, 
that be here, the survivers in his church and 
congregation can testify. His visits among the 
inhabitants of his own parish, and with his 
brethren, among the inhabitants of other par- 
ishes, were eminently happy. He spake much 
of a change of heart, of repentance and faith 
and other graces, not only because these things 
are inculcated in the Scriptures, as indispensa- 
ble to salvation, but because they accorded with 
his own experience. Wherever he conversed, 

wherever he tarried a night among acquaintan- 
20* 



232 MEMOIR OF 

ces or strangers, he preached a sermon, gave 
an exhortation, or offered a prayer, the im- 
pression was left, that he was a man of God. 
He bore the marks of simplicity and godly sin- 
cerity. He loved religion, he loved revivals, he 
loved missions, he loved good men and labored 
and prayed for the advancement of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom." 

" Though his situation was rather retired, and 
his sphere of pastoral labor rather limited 
though his circumstances in life, in several re- 
spects, were different from those which world- 
ly men would choose, yet he enjoyed manifold, 
more happiness in this present time, than falls 
to the lot of men of this description. He en- 
joyed much happiness in his family, in the soci- 
ety of a pious and prudent wife, in whom his 
heart safely trusted, and in children whom he 
trained up in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord, in the society of saints, in the approba- 
tion of his conscience, and in the hope of eter- 
nal life." 

" We shall love to think of father Vaill, as we 
do of holy men of old, because he served God, 
and his generation faithfully, and has gone to 
heaven, as we have the best reasons for believ- 
ing. I hope you will succeed in presenting his 
true character. Yours in the Gospel, 

David D. Fielb*" 



REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 233 

From the Rev. Mr. Swift, of Killingwarth. 

u My Dear Brother Parsons : — I am in fa- 
vor of the publication of a memoir of Rev. Jo- 
seph Vaill, yet I can suggest nothing but what 
must already be familiar to one, who has been 
so long, and so intimately acquainted, as you 
have been with that dear servant of the Lord, 
I had no particular acquaintance with him, till 
he removed to this place, and then as you are 
well aware, his faculties were considerably im- 
paired. He however, often preached to my 
people, to great acceptance, and always with- 
out notes, I was always struck when hearing 
him, with the plain, faithful, undisguised open 
hearted manner, in which he delivered his mes- 
sage. His knowledge of his own heart, of its 
desperate wickedness, I have thought was very 
striking and uncommon. This often threw a 
gloom about him, and not unfrequently occa- 
sioned depression of spirits and distressing fears 
of death. He was to the last, warmly attached 
to the great distinguishing doctrines of grace, 
and seemed to derive from the contemplation 
of them, his sweetest consolations. He no 
doubt had his faults. Sometimes perhaps he 
indulged his natural propensity to wit and hu- 
mor too much, and sometimes was too free and 
open in his remarks upon the foibles of others. 



234 MEMOIR OF 

This no doubt arose from his frank and open 
hearted disposition, and not from unkindness. 
I am glad you have it in contemplation, to pre- 
pare a memoir of this our beloved father. 

I remain your affectionate brother in Christ, 

E. G. Swift." 

Killingworth, Feb. 23d, 1839. 

The reader has now before him a sketch of 
the character, and life of this humble and devo- 
ted servant of Christ. Fidelity to his Lord and 
Master, in all the varied relations of life, consti- 
tutes the leading and predominant trait in his 
character. It is this which has secured for 
him the testimony of the consciences of all who 
knew him, whether friends or foes, whether 
agreeing with him in sentiment or differing from 
him. All will say they regarded him as a good 
man, and a faithful minister. 

The grace of God enabled him to be what 
he was, and through the power of God's grace, 
during a long life, he was sustained under many 
discouragements and embarrassments, and in 
circumstances by no means enviable to men of 
the world. What he was in his private char- 
acter as a Christian, other Christians in the or- 
dinary walks of life may become. So far as he 
followed Christ, others may copy his example. 
The same religion, which shed so much kind- 



REV. JOSEPH VAIL1. 235 

ness and goodness and honest frankness, and 
holy diligence around him. in the relations and 
transactions, and friendship of private life, may 
be made to appear equally lovely in common 
Christians, provided they will suffer the princi- 
ples of the Gospel to reign in their hearts, and 
govern their purposes, and form their rules of 
life. 

And as a minister of the Gospel, his honesty 
of heart and purpose, his open frankness and 
freedom from guile, his indefatigable labors, his 
firm adherence to his course of duty, under all 
possible discouragements, his persevering and 
warm attachment to the great truths of the 
Gospel, his plain and faithful preaching, his fear- 
less exposure of vice, and plain reproof of the 
wicked, commend him as an example to minis- 
ters of this age, worthy of their consideration. 

Young men likewise of hopeful piety, who 
are looking forward to the Christian ministry, 
and who find themselves without the means of 
defraying the expenses of their education, may 
be encouraged from the example here afforded 
them, to feel, that their own efforts, with the 
blessing of God, will enable them to achieve the 
object aimed at. They, who rely on their own 
efforts under God, who from early life, are 
obliged, and are willing to make sacrifices, and 
endure hardships, and help themselves in acquir- 



236 MEMOIR OF REV. JOSEPH VAILL. 

ing an education, with a view to be useful in the 
world, are the men from whom the Church 
may expect much. There is an early training 
in such men, that qualifies them to endure hard- 
ness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, and to 
fight manfully the good fight of faith. 

In closing this memoir, it is natural to ask 
how it will be received. What effect will it 
have upon him who reads it ? There is respon- 
sibility resting on the reader, as well as the com- 
piler. The subject has gone to his reward, he 
rests from his labors, and his works do follow 
him. How shall the compiler, and the reader, 
be benefitted ? Pious example rightly impro- 
' ved, will allure the living in the way of holiness. 
And to what end has this memoir fallen into 
the hands of the reader ? Shall it be read in 
vain ; or shall it be the means of his spiritual 
improvement ? Let every reader ask himself 
whether he is following Christ, and whether he 
is stimulated to greater activity and consisten- 
cy in duty, by the example of Christian and 
ministerial fidelity, contained in this volume. 

ERRATA. 

Page 24, 12th line, for beach, read bark. Page 105, 1st line, omit 
quotation. Page 121, 17th line, for efforts, read effects. Page 143, 12th 
line, for this, read their. Page 154, 26th line, insert and after surfeit- 
iug. Do. 27th line, for xxii, read zxi. Page 169, 2d line, insert new 
before settlements. Page ] 76, 14th line, for seven read several. Page 
219, 19th line, for he, read we. 



